Acts 18:1–17: Power Made Perfect in Weakness
Introduction
In Acts 18, Paul comes to the city of Corinth. Given what we know about Corinth from the two letters to the Corinthians, this history offers interesting background. Here, we see Paul laboring in the midst of significant opposition. Paul’s discouragement seems to get to the point that the Lord intervenes to encourage him personally, telling him, “Do not be afraid” (v. 9). In a city of dazzling power, wealth, and immorality, Paul established the church in this city through faith, but fearful trembling (1 Cor. 2:3). In the planting of the Corinthian church, we see that Christ’s power is made perfect through weakness.
Discussion Questions
1. Where was Corinth located (v. 1)? What was Corinth known for politically? What was Corinth known for in terms of wealth? What was Corinth known for in its reputation for behavior? Who were Aquila and Priscilla (v. 2)? What did Paul share in common with them (v. 3)? What do we know about Paul’s working with his hands to support his needs (1 Cor. 9:1–18)? When he wasn’t laboring, what was he doing (v. 4)?
2. What does it mean that “Paul was occupied with the word” (v. 5)? What specifically was “the word” about Jesus that Paul preached (v. 5)? What kind of opposition would have led Paul to turn from the Jews to the Gentiles (v. 6)? In spite of the opposition, what kind of fruit did Paul see in Corinth (vv. 7–8)? What does the Lord’s encouragement to Paul in v. 9 suggest about the level of Paul’s discouragement in this ministry context? How did Paul respond (v. 11)?
3. Who was Gallio (v. 12a)? When did he serve as proconsul of Achaia (v. 12b)? How does the detail about Gallio and about the decree of Claudius (v. 2) help us to date the events of Paul’s ministry in Corinth? What was Gallio’s response to the charges of the Jews against Paul (v. 14–16)? What was Gallio’s response when the Jews beat Sosthenes (v. 17)? How, then, would you characterize the stance of the Roman government toward Christianity here?
4. What does Paul say about his own weakness in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:1–5? What does Jesus tell Paul about weakness that Paul relates to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 12:9? Why do you think Paul preaches and models such an example of humility to the Corinthian church? Where do you feel weak? Why does the Lord work through weak people? How might the weakness you are experiencing help you to trust in the power of the Spirit?
