Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear. As Paul journeyed from Athens to Corinth, he faced fear, weakness, and opposition, yet continued to minister boldly in the Spirit. His struggles taught believers to rely on Christ’s strength, persevere through difficulty, and share truth even when facing adversity. Through trials and faith, we learn that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness and that victory over fear is found in Christ.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 18:1, 1 Corinthians 2:1-3, 2 Corinthians 12:5-8, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 John 4:18, 2 Timothy 2:12-13, Philippians 3:9-12, Acts 18:2-5, Acts 18:6, Ezekiel 33:1-4, Matthew 13:21, Ezekiel 33:7, Acts 18:7-8, Acts 18:9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8, Acts 18:12-13, Acts 18:14-17, Acts 18:18, Acts 18:24-38,
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
My Outline
Ministry at Corinth Acts 18:1-17
Ministry Briefly at Ephesus Acts 18:18-21
Meeting at home Acts 18:22-23
Ministry of Apollos Acts 18:24-28
Ministry at Corinth Acts 18:1-17
We are leaving Athens and heading to Corinth. We will spend time there for 17 verses. After that, our journey continues. We travel to Ephesus by sailing across the Aegean Sea. Our stop in Ephesus is brief, just a few verses. Then, we sail to Caesarea, visit Jerusalem, and finally go up to Antioch. This marks the end of the second missionary journey. These are the historical points.
Let’s find practical lessons for our lives. Paul is shown as weak, fearful, and trembling. Yet, he is compelled by the Spirit to share the word. He faces strong opposition and blasphemy from the Jews. God gives Paul a vision and tells him to keep speaking boldly. Paul obeys, but the Jews take him before the authorities. The plan backfires. Paul is not beaten; instead, the Jewish leader is. Paul stays in Corinth for at least 18 months.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Challenges and Growth in Corinth
The church in Corinth had many challenges. These produced letters and teachings that are unique. Next, Paul sails to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla to begin new work. We meet Apollos. He is a good minister, but he needs a fuller understanding of God’s current work. Paul taught him, and his ministry grows in Corinth.
Sometimes, you may feel weak, fearful, or unsure. This story is encouraging. You might face opposition or harsh words from religious people. This passage will help. You may know people with good intentions who need a deeper understanding. This scripture will help with that, too. We will cover all of this in the next hour. Let’s turn together to Acts 18, verse 1.
Acts 18:1
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
After these things, after Athens, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. I want to focus on how Paul arrived in Corinth. To understand this, let’s turn to First Corinthians, chapter 2.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
1 Corinthians 2:1-3
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
I want to discuss a topic that doesn’t usually get people excited. Everyone cheers when we preach about victory and reigning with Christ. But I am talking about fear, trembling, persecution, and suffering. You may not shout now. But remember, we cannot rule with Christ unless we also share in suffering with Him.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
In First Corinthians chapter 2, verse 1, Paul describes how he came to Corinth from Athens. He did not arrive with impressive words or wisdom. He declared the testimony of God. Paul decided to focus only on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. Back in Athens, Paul spoke well and preached boldly on Mars Hill. But in Corinth, he kept his message simple: Jesus Christ, crucified.
Experiencing Weakness and Fear
Paul says he was with the Corinthians in weakness, fear, and much trembling. These are the verses we often skip over. We spend more time on the promises about God meeting our needs than on passages about fear and weakness.
The word “weakness” means feebleness of body or mind, and moral frailty. “Fear” comes from the Greek word phobos, meaning alarm, fright, or terror—a deep and exceeding fear. “Trembling,” from the word trauma, means shaking with fear.
When Paul arrived in Corinth, he was weak in body and mind. Things had not gone well for him in Athens. He was afraid and shaken. He trembled with fear.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
We don’t usually picture the apostle Paul in such a state. But he struggled with these feelings when he came to Corinth. I want you to see that even Paul, the great apostle, faced the same struggles that you and I experience.
Christ in Us: The Same Source of Strength
I am bringing this up to show you something important. The same Christ who lived in Paul lives in you and in me. Yet, the Bible clearly says that Paul was in fear, weakness, and trembling. This trembling was a deep quaking. He was afraid for his life and his very being.
The word “fear” is similar to what Jesus used in Matthew 10:28. Jesus taught us not to fear those who kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Paul had this kind of fear. He worried about his physical life. We rarely think of Paul in that way, but it is real. I want you to understand, Paul was just as human as we are. He was not a superstar.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
We see the word “trauma” comes from “traumas.” Webster says trauma means bodily injury from violence, emotional shock, or lasting psychic pain. Paul was shaking and deeply troubled.
Later, Paul told us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This means you will go through difficult times while living out your faith. You may not be shouting now, but this is part of growing in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:5-8
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
I want to focus here until we truly understand it. I’ll come back to this verse later. Beginning at verse five, Paul says he will not glory in himself, except in his infirmities. The word “infirmities” is the same Greek word as “weakness” in Acts 18. Paul boasts in his weaknesses and struggles. What do we do in ours? Often, we complain. We stay home from church. We decide not to give. Am I right?
In verse six, Paul explains that he does not want people to think more of him than what they see. He wants to avoid being exalted too much.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Paul says, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” That is the same Greek word. Paul displays Christ’s strength, not in success, but in his weakness.
Glory in Weakness
He goes on to say, “I will gladly glory in my infirmities.” Again, this is the same word. Why? So the power of Christ can rest on him. When does Christ’s power rest on us? Is it when we do well, speak in tongues, or prophesy in church? No, it is in our weaknesses, in our tests. That is when others can truly see Christ in us. That is when His power is displayed. Now, let’s look at verse ten.
Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities. Same Greek word. Do you take pleasure in yours? Do you count it all joy when you enter into various trials and testings? Paul is alert to do this. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproach, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, it’s then I’m strong. It’s then that I can display the Christ in me to people.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
And it goes something like this. Your actions speak so loud I can’t hear your words. But Paul says I can show you because when I’m weak, that’s when I’m strong. That’s when I can display the power of the Christ that dwelleth and liveth in me. Paul came to Corinth like this.
1 John 4:18
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
John writes about fear in 1 John 4:18. This shows us that Paul was just like us. Paul had fear and went through testing. He grew because he faced these challenges. You will also go through difficult times, just like Paul did. Paul overcame his fear. He later wrote the love chapter about perfect love, showing he was mature and complete.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3) means a quaking with fear, similar to the experience of trauma. Philippians 2:12 uses the same word when it says, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” You will experience these feelings. During these times, do not get angry with God. These are when you need Him most. When you are weak and allow Christ to help you, then you are truly strong.
The Purpose of Weakness and Fear
I want to remind you why I showed you all this. Paul was just like us. The same Christ who lived in Paul lives in us. Our weakness or fear does not mean we lose our salvation. Instead, it is through these experiences that we become strong and mature. In hard times, we work out our salvation.
We have seen Paul stoned, persecuted, and mocked. We have seen him get up and go back into the city. But we have never seen him in this kind of mental and physical struggle. Did Paul overcome it? Yes. Even in weakness, fear, and trembling, he never quit his calling, never complained, and never doubted God. Paul knew that suffering with Christ is part of reigning with Christ.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
You do not often hear this preached on television. It does not help offerings. When David was suffering in the wilderness, those who reigned with him were not in Saul’s palace. They were with David in the caves, suffering with him.
2 Timothy 2:12-13
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
You may not want to shout, but do you want to reign with Him?
Philippians 3:9-12
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Knowing Christ involves something deeper. It includes the fellowship of His suffering. Paul explains in Philippians 3:9 that we are found in Christ by faith, not by our own righteousness. Paul wants to know Christ, experience the power of His resurrection, and share in His sufferings. This means becoming more like Him, even through difficult times. We are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Moving Forward Through Struggles
Paul admits in verse 12 that he has not yet reached perfection. He keeps pursuing it. He does not dwell on the past. Paul said he reaches for what is ahead. He presses toward the mark of God’s high calling. Everyone faces fear, weakness, and trembling in this journey.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
You must go through those struggles. Leave them behind and learn from them. Then press forward to what comes next. You are called to God’s kingdom. If you want to know Christ and His resurrection power, you must also know Him in suffering.
Paul taught that entering God’s kingdom requires tribulation. This idea is not often preached today. Many hear a “name it and claim it” gospel. Because of that, Christians often do not know how to handle trials, trembling, or suffering. No one explains it on television.
Today, many Christians are not taught about adversity. When they face hardships, they become confused and doubt. Some complain or stop giving. Others wonder if they are even saved.
Let’s learn from Paul. Forget what is behind. Reach for what is before. Press on toward the prize of God’s high calling in Christ. Go through difficult times, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Acts 18:2-5
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
In Acts 18, verse 2, we meet Aquila and Priscilla. They are a married Jewish couple. Paul leads them to salvation in Christ. Verse 3 says Paul stayed with them and worked together, making tents.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Spiritual Meaning of Tent Making
Paul was a tent maker in the natural and the spiritual. He made tents for people to live in. In the spiritual, he prepared sanctuaries for the Holy Spirit to live in. We do the same—preparing our own tents, our own places for God, and helping others prepare theirs. Every one of us is a tent maker, just like Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla.
Paul was pressed in the Spirit. The word “pressed” means to be compelled, perplexed, or preoccupied. The amplified version says when Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul became completely focused on preaching. He argued and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Overcoming Fear and Weakness
This is important. Paul, who was once full of fear and trembling, got past it. He overcame through his work and preaching. I learned something new about healing. Sometimes, when you are around someone fearful and weak, you might feel the same way. But if you start talking about Christ and faith, you can help them heal. I saw this happen last night while talking on the phone. The person was discouraged, but after talking about Christ, they became healed and encouraged.
When you start to feel low, do not focus on your trouble. Instead, testify about Christ. You will find healing, too.
Acts 18:6
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
We see that Paul was opposed and blasphemed again. Notice the word “blasphemed.” All New Testament ministries face blasphemy. If you preach the truth, people will speak against you. The word “blasphemed” means to vilify. Webster defines “vilify” as defame, revile, denounce, and slander. It is to speak in a wicked or irreligious way—profane, unholy, and even satanic. The Jews said all these things about Paul.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
If no one has spoken like that about your ministry, then you may not be preaching the truth. True ministry stirs people up. Religious people always blaspheme New Testament ministries because the Bible exposes tradition. When you start uncovering ceremonies, rituals, and religious traditions, they fall apart. Tradition crumbles under examination, but truth only gets stronger.
Facing and Responding to Religious Tradition
One big tradition we hold is Babylon. It is shaking and falling apart. When you expose religious traditions, people will rush to defend them. They use opposition and blasphemy because that is all they have left once the traditions are exposed.
What I’m going to do here, what happened in verse 6, is Paul said, Your blood is upon your heads. I am clean. From this point on, I’ll go to the Gentiles. What I want you to see is that you’ve got to do the same thing. You’ve got to get the blood off your head onto their head. You’ve got to be clean. And let’s see what I’m talking about.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Ezekiel 33:1-4
1 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;
4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Verse 1 says the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. God told him to speak to the people. If the people choose a man to be a watchman and he sees trouble coming, he must blow the trumpet and warn them. Anyone who hears the warning but ignores it is responsible for their own fate.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Tribulation as God’s Sword
Now, let’s apply this to us today. In verse 2, we see the Lord brings the sword. The sword is a symbol of tribulation. When God brings the sword to the land, it represents trouble or disaster. So, who brings tribulation in Revelation? Some think it’s the devil, but Scripture shows it is God who brings tribulation.
When God sends tribulation or disaster, what insights can we gain? The word in Hebrews 4:12 is described as a sword. It is sharp and divides even the deepest parts of us. Ephesians 6:17 says the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. In this context, could tribulation be the word of God working in our lives? The word of God can bring challenge and trouble. When God sends His word to your life, it can bring tribulation and test your heart.
Matthew 13:21
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Matthew 13:21 talks about the seed and the sower. Jesus says that when tribulation and persecution arise because of the word, those without strong roots fall away. The word itself can bring trouble and persecution. That is what Jesus teaches in this verse.
The Watchman’s Role
Let’s connect this to Ezekiel 33 and see it as a present truth. God brings tribulation, or the word, to a land. The people appoint a watchman. This watchman has a ministry to watch and warn. He must see what is coming. You cannot see this with natural eyes. Our struggle is not against people, but against spiritual forces.
The watchman’s job is to blow the trumpet and warn the people when he sees the word arrive. Are you seeing the word move in our land? Are you sounding the trumpet? If the watchman warns, but people ignore the warning, then their fate is their own responsibility. If you warn others and they do not listen, it is not your fault.
Paul as Watchman and Response to Rejection
Paul acted as a watchman. He argued, debated, and warned the people. When they refused to listen, the responsibility was on their own heads. There are trumpets in Revelation, too. It all fits together.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Just like in Noah’s day, those who did not listen were taken away by the flood. Jesus said his coming would be just like those days. Only those who ignore the warning are taken by tribulation. Those who listen and take warning deliver their soul.
But if the watchman sees trouble coming and does not blow the trumpet, the people will not be warned. If disaster comes and people are lost, the watchman is held responsible. You must sound the trumpet when you see the word of God at work.
Ezekiel 33:7
7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
God has set you as a watchman. If this city hears the word, who will tell them? In verse 7, God tells Ezekiel, “I have set you as a watchman for the house of Israel.” You must hear the word from Him and warn the people. You have the trumpet. I want to hear the seventh trumpet sound.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Acts 18:7-8
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
The house of Justice is where the church began meeting. Crispus’ house is also important. Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue, a pastor in type. He believed Paul’s message and brought his whole house, his whole church, into God’s truth.
Unity in the Body of Christ
This shows something powerful. The body of Christ is coming together. Whole churches are leaving religious traditions and uniting. They are becoming one body in Christ. In Him we live, move, and have our being—and He also lives and moves in us.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Acts 18:9-10
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
The Lord gave Paul a vision and reassured him that he would not be in danger. God told Paul to speak and not hold back. Paul had been holding back revelation because he feared the Jews. The Lord said, “Do not be afraid. Speak and don’t keep silent.”
Paul was still feeling weakness, fear, and trembling. The Lord ministered to him because Paul was suppressing the message that God had given. Paul had many revelations, but he kept some hidden because of fear. When we hold back out of fear, we miss sharing what God has shown us.
God told Paul, “I am with you and no one will harm you. Many people in this city belong to Me.” Paul’s fear stopped him from sharing all the revelations he received. Many of us have experienced this same fear—worrying about what others will think or say.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
2 Corinthians 12:7-8
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about visions and revelations. He shares the story of being caught up to the third heaven, hearing things that cannot be said. He knows the experience was real, but whether in body or spirit, only God knows. Paul chooses not to boast in these things, but instead, he glories in his weakness. He does this so no one thinks too highly of him. Paul points out that it is better to be honest and humble than to seek glory for ourselves.
Paul says he was given a thorn in the flesh because of the abundance of revelation. Theologians say it could have been an illness. But scripture says it was a messenger from Satan sent to strike him. Every time Paul shared a profound revelation, he faced spiritual attack. The word “buffet” means to hit with a fist, to strike hard. Paul feared sharing revelations because each time, there came opposition—like getting punched by the enemy.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
I relate to Paul here. When you share what God reveals, trouble often follows. If you get many revelations, you will have spiritual resistance. Paul was frequently afraid to share because he knew opposition would come. Religious people would criticize and resist him wherever he went.
The Lord spoke to me as I wrote these notes. He said, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace, for I am with you. I have much people in this city.” That encouraged me so much. God has many people, even when the crowd looks small. Be not afraid.
Acts 18:12-13
12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
The word for “one accord” is homothamadon. In Acts, the church was united in purpose—homothamadon. We saw last week how the church achieved this unity, but now the Jews show negative unity against Paul. They became unanimous in their opposition, acting with the same passion at the same time.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Unusual Unity in Opposition
It is rare for religious opponents to be in such unity, but they were against Paul. They brought him to the authorities and said, “This man persuades people to worship God against the law.” The opposition accused Paul of teaching worship different from the law of Moses. Every time I study worship, I see God moving powerfully. That excites me.
Leaving Old Traditions for New Worship
This shows again that we are leaving the tabernacle of Moses and moving to the tabernacle of David. If you do not move, you will get left behind. The tabernacle of Moses was formed at Sinai. It is built on traditions, ceremonies, and rituals. All you can do there is be quiet and serious. That is the old way.
But in the tabernacle of David, there is freedom. You can shout, sing, worship, and praise. You can thank God with music—harps, cymbals, trumpets, drums, and pianos. Horns and any instrument. The Bible says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” And that is what Paul was teaching people to do. Imagine that!
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
It says Paul was teaching exactly what the Jerusalem council decided. We are not to return to the tabernacle of Moses, but move forward to the tabernacle of David. Paul encouraged people to worship the Lord in new ways, not just how it had always been done. I like that! God loves variety. He wants you to praise Him in everything—not just through traditions or rituals.
Even today, some do not understand there is another way, a greater way, to worship besides old traditions. God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth—not through ceremonies or rituals, but with hearts full of praise.
Acts 18:14-17
14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
16 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
God’s Word and Church Concerns
The Amplified Bible says it this way: “It is just a question of doctrine, words, and your law. See to it yourselves. I do not intend to get involved.”
God is trying to send a word into the earth today. That word is meant first to transform the kingdom within your life. Then it should change the church, and from there, it can impact the whole city.
But many in the church world focus only on words, doctrines, rules, and even property and buildings. I truly believe God is echoing that same message: “Work that out yourselves. I do not want to get tied up in those matters.”
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Sosthenes was the chief ruler in the synagogue, having taken Crispus’ place. The situation backfired on him, and he ended up being beaten. I see some irony in that, a little twist from God. But if he is the same Sosthenes mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:1, then he later converted, just as Crispus, Justice, and many other Corinthians did. He also came to the Lord.
Acts 18:18
18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
Paul ministered briefly at Ephesus. Verse 18 says Paul “shorn his head,” meaning he cut or shaved his hair. The King James puts it this way. The Amplified version makes it clearer. In Numbers 6:1-21, you can read about the Nazarite vow. To shear one’s hair means to cut it off like shearing sheep. In the Old Testament, this was a Nazarite vow—a commitment to God. Paul brought this truth into the New Testament.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
What does this mean for us today? The book of Acts shows us what we can do. If Paul did it, we can do it too. The Nazarite vow was an outward sign of separation to the Lord, much like a fast but longer. It showed you were dedicating your body and temple to God. You do not see the Nazarite vow much today, but I believe you will.
Reasoning with the Jews and Returning to Ephesus
Next, Paul entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. He always preached to the Jews first, but they usually did not accept the message. Religious people often hear the gospel first, but reject it. Paul would return to Ephesus again.
Returning Home to Antioch and Jerusalem
Paul greeted the church at Caesarea. The word “saluted” means to enfold in the arms and welcome—a brotherly hug. This is scriptural, and I would do it regardless. After Caesarea, Paul went to Antioch, his home church, and then to Jerusalem. Antioch was special because it was his home base for ministry.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
There is always a sweetness about returning to your home church. It is the place that birthed you into the kingdom, nurtured you, and sent you out. It feels special to go back and share what God has done. Paul did this in Antioch, telling the church how things were going and what God was doing in his ministry. That is the sweetness of returning home.
Acts 18:24-38
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Ministry of Apollos
Now we come to the ministry of Apollos. You need to see his character. In verses 24-28, Apollos is described as a converting Jew. He is on a journey, not quite finished. I relate to him because we all still have some old traditions in us. Like Apollos, we are being changed from glory to glory, faith to faith, and strength to strength.
Apollos was eloquent—he was a gifted speaker. He was mighty in the scriptures, meaning he was powerful and capable. We should also let God’s word fill us this way. He was instructed in the way of the Lord, meaning he was taught thoroughly, but he had only learned about what God had done in the past. Apollos taught what he knew, but was several years behind on what God was doing in his day. He was fervent in spirit—full of zeal, not lukewarm. He taught exactly what he understood, focusing on John’s baptism. But God was now baptizing people in the Holy Spirit and fire. Apollos was behind on what God was currently doing.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Lacking Present-Day Revelation
Apollos could speak boldly in the synagogue. He was a good minister, easy to listen to, knowledgeable, and energetic. But he lacked present-day revelation. He was baptizing people in water when God was doing something new. There are ministries today just like this—good in part, strong in the basics, but missing what God is doing now.
What happened next is essential. Apollos was sent ministry—Aquila and Priscilla—to explain God’s current work more perfectly. Apollos had two choices: accept new revelation and move forward with God, or reject it and stay where he was. Ministries and people today face the same choice. Will you receive what God is doing, or hold on to what He did in the past?
You are called to be like Aquila and Priscilla. God will send you to help others understand His ways more perfectly. God is moving beyond just water or Spirit baptism. He wants to form a complete, unified body that reveals Christ to this city.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Apollos Was Teachable
Apollos was teachable. He received the new teaching and kept his focus on the Lord. Ministry must be open to new truths, but always check the scriptures daily, as the Bereans did, to see if these teachings are true. Once you find them true, you share them. Lay people should do the same—search scripture and receive revelation.
Apollos then traveled to Corinth and had a strong ministry there. He convinced the Jews through the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Ministry today should also persuade people from scripture about what God is doing now.
His ministry became so powerful that people formed different groups—followers of Apollos, Paul, and Cephas, i.e., Peter. But God rebuked that. He hates division, whether among individuals or denominations. God wants His people united in mind, purpose, and action. God hates division and wants us working together.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Summary of Paul’s Church Planting
As we wrap up, let’s look at the churches Paul started. On his first missionary journey, Paul founded five churches: Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. On his second journey, he started five more: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Altogether, Paul established ten churches on these two trips. Remember this if anyone asks you. These churches received several epistles. These letters give us the truths of the New Testament church.
But I wonder if we take these epistles too lightly. Do we truly grasp what Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and John Mark sacrificed? They poured out their lives so we could sit comfortably today and read God’s word. I think we sometimes forget the price they paid. I believe that those who suffer with Christ will reign with Him. They paid the price.
Acts Series Chapter 18: How to Triumph Over Weakness & Fear
Conclusion:
First, always look out for Aquila and Priscilla. They are true tent makers for the Holy Ghost. They will help explain God’s way more perfectly to you.
Second, we are watchmen for this city. Sound your trumpet—it is your responsibility. If people do not listen, their blood is on their own heads. But if you stay silent, their blood is on yours.
Third, you may take hits when you speak out with the revelation God gives you. We must still share it, even when it is tough.
Fourth, sometimes you will feel weak, afraid, or shaken. Never quit. Never complain. Keep pressing toward the mark of God’s high calling. Let go of the past and move forward.
Finally, we are called to be Aquila and Priscilla for this city. If this city hears what God is doing, it will be through us. People will either accept God’s teaching and move with Him, or they will miss out.
I close with Acts 13:41, “Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.” Amen. Is God working in your day?
Acts Series Chapter 18 Audio
Acts Series Chapter 18 Audio
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1 Corinthians Study Chapter 13 Audio
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3 Audio
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