Paul Preaching to Workers in a Corinthian StreetBible World
18:4Acts 18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Corinth was dominated by idolatry and marked by gross immorality and concern for immediate pleasure, and this was the setting for the work to persuade Jews and Greeks. While there he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded both the Jews and the Greeks. The Sabbath meetings in the synagogue were thus made occasions for reasoning and persuasion. Alongside tentmaking he preached there, teaching regularly on the Sabbath and reasoning with both groups.
In that reasoning he proclaimed the truth as it is in Jesus, persuading about the gospel. His teaching focused on Jesus as the Messiah, following his custom of preaching in the synagogue every Sabbath to Jews and Greeks. He was one of the most effectual missionary workers, a clear, eloquent speaker able to meet his adversaries on almost any ground they chose and not behind the chiefest apostles.
While abiding with Aquila and Priscilla he worked with his hands at the humble occupation of tent-making because he was of the same craft. He taught during the day and worked at night making tents, sharing the way of salvation with fellow workers. His trade supported him as he faithfully proclaimed the gospel. He chose not to claim support from his hearers so that suspicion that he preached for money would not weaken his message, and so he would not burden the believers there. He held himself ready to set aside his trade when an opportunity arose to oppose resistance to the gospel or win people to Jesus. His willingness to work and his zeal in preaching rebuke idleness and the desire for ease.
At Corinth he labored for a year and six months preaching the truth to people in error and in the darkness of error. By this he proved the divine character of his mission, raising up a flourishing church composed of Jews and Gentiles. The Gentile converts were more numerous than the Jewish converts, and many were truly converted, brought from darkness into the light of the gospel. The Gentiles were in a more favorable condition than the Jews to receive the truth, for they were not walled in by the maxims and traditions of priests and elders. After Christ's ascension he still preached to both Jews and Gentiles on the Sabbath, continuing the practice of honoring the Sabbath day.
In that Corinthian labor confusion and strife were spread among the church there. When he later reported this work to the elders at Jerusalem he spoke with great gentleness and courtesy, avoiding everything that would unnecessarily wound his brethren and dwelling especially on topics where they could harmonize. His account showed the progress of the gospel and the evidence that the power of God was working with his efforts. This softened feelings toward him, convinced the brethren that prejudice against him was unfounded, and led them to glorify God for the wonders of his grace. His example means preaching was not to be confined to one place or only to church members but carried to people throughout the world, so workers today must branch out more and make the world their field of labor rather than working for the churches only, because the Lord God of Israel is hungry for fruit.
Corinth was dominated by idolatry and marked by gross immorality and concern for immediate pleasure, and this was the setting for the work to persuade Jews and Greeks. While there he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded both the Jews and the Greeks. The Sabbath meetings in the synagogue were thus made occasions for reasoning and persuasion. Alongside tentmaking he preached there, teaching regularly on the Sabbath and reasoning with both groups.
In that reasoning he proclaimed the truth as it is in Jesus, persuading about the gospel. His teaching focused on Jesus as the Messiah, following his custom of preaching in the synagogue every Sabbath to Jews and Greeks. He was one of the most effectual missionary workers, a clear, eloquent speaker able to meet his adversaries on almost any ground they chose and not behind the chiefest apostles.
While abiding with Aquila and Priscilla he worked with his hands at the humble occupation of tent-making because he was of the same craft. He taught during the day and worked at night making tents, sharing the way of salvation with fellow workers. His trade supported him as he faithfully proclaimed the gospel. He chose not to claim support from his hearers so that suspicion that he preached for money would not weaken his message, and so he would not burden the believers there. He held himself ready to set aside his trade when an opportunity arose to oppose resistance to the gospel or win people to Jesus. His willingness to work and his zeal in preaching rebuke idleness and the desire for ease.
At Corinth he labored for a year and six months preaching the truth to people in error and in the darkness of error. By this he proved the divine character of his mission, raising up a flourishing church composed of Jews and Gentiles. The Gentile converts were more numerous than the Jewish converts, and many were truly converted, brought from darkness into the light of the gospel. The Gentiles were in a more favorable condition than the Jews to receive the truth, for they were not walled in by the maxims and traditions of priests and elders. After Christ's ascension he still preached to both Jews and Gentiles on the Sabbath, continuing the practice of honoring the Sabbath day.
In that Corinthian labor confusion and strife were spread among the church there. When he later reported this work to the elders at Jerusalem he spoke with great gentleness and courtesy, avoiding everything that would unnecessarily wound his brethren and dwelling especially on topics where they could harmonize. His account showed the progress of the gospel and the evidence that the power of God was working with his efforts. This softened feelings toward him, convinced the brethren that prejudice against him was unfounded, and led them to glorify God for the wonders of his grace. His example means preaching was not to be confined to one place or only to church members but carried to people throughout the world, so workers today must branch out more and make the world their field of labor rather than working for the churches only, because the Lord God of Israel is hungry for fruit.