Paul in Corinth

1After this, Paula left Athens and went to Corinth. 2There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paulb went to visit them, 3and because they had the same trade he stayed with them. They worked together because they were tentmakers by trade. 4Every Sabbath, he would speak in the synagogue, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. 5But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself entirely to the wordc as he emphatically assured the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.d 6But when they began to oppose him and insult him, he shook out his clothes in protest and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the gentiles.”

7Then he left that place and went to the home of a man named Titiuse Justus, who worshipped God and whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8Now Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, along with his whole family. Many Corinthians who heard Paul also believed and were baptized.

9One night, the Lord told Paul in a vision, “Stop being afraid to speak out! Don’t remain silent! 10For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you or harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11So Paulf lived there for a year and a half and continued to teach the word of God among the people there.g

12While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jewish leadersh gathered together, attacked Paul, and brought him before the judge’s seat. 13They said, “This man is persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the Law.”

14Paul was about to speak when Gallio admonished the Jewish leaders,i “If there were some misdemeanor or crime involved, it would be reasonable to put up with you Jews. 15But since it is a question about words, names, and your own Law, you will have to take care of that yourselves. I refuse to be a judge in these matters.” 16So he drove them away from the judge’s seat. 17Then all of themj took Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and began beating him in front of the judge’s seat. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Paul’s Return Trip to Antioch

18After staying there for quite a while longer, Paul said goodbye to the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. He had his hair cut in Cenchrea, since he was under a vow. 19When they arrived in Ephesus, he left Priscilla and Aquilak there. Then he went into the synagogue and had a discussion with the Jews. 20They asked him to stay longer, but he refused. 21As he told them goodbye, he said, “I will come backl to you again if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22When he arrived in Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem,m greeted the church there, and then returned to Antioch. 23After spending some time there, he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Preaches in Ephesus

24Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and well versed in the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the Lord’s way, and with spiritual fervor he kept speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only about John’s baptism. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained God’s way to him more accurately. 27When Apollosn wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples there, urging them to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who, through God’so grace, had believed. 28He successfully refuted the Jews in public and proved by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.p