Acts 18:2
There 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. Paul went to visit them,
There 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. Paul went to visit them
There he found
The phrase "there he found" indicates a divine appointment orchestrated by God. In the Greek, the word for "found" is "εὗρεν" (heuren), suggesting a discovery or encounter that is significant. This meeting was not by chance but part of God's providential plan for the spread of the Gospel. It reminds us that God often places people in our paths for His purposes.

a Jew named Aquila
Aquila, whose name means "eagle" in Latin, was a Jew by birth. His identity as a Jew is significant in the context of the early church, which was grappling with the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers. Aquila's Jewish heritage would have made him familiar with the Scriptures, providing a strong foundation for his faith in Christ.

a native of Pontus
Pontus was a region in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. This detail highlights the diverse backgrounds of early Christians and the widespread reach of the Gospel. The mention of Pontus also connects to the broader narrative of the dispersion of Jews throughout the Roman Empire, which God used to spread the message of Christ.

who had recently come from Italy
The phrase "recently come from Italy" indicates a forced migration due to external circumstances. This movement was not merely a personal decision but was influenced by political edicts, showing how God can use even political events to fulfill His purposes.

with his wife Priscilla
Priscilla, also known as Prisca, is often mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila. Her inclusion here underscores the importance of women in the early church. Priscilla's role in ministry, as seen later in Acts, highlights the partnership in marriage and ministry that God often uses to advance His kingdom.

because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome
This historical note refers to an edict by the Roman Emperor Claudius around AD 49, expelling Jews from Rome. This decree is corroborated by historical sources such as Suetonius. It serves as a reminder of the persecution faced by early Christians and Jews, yet also how God uses such trials to spread the Gospel to new regions.

Paul went to visit them
Paul's decision to visit Aquila and Priscilla demonstrates the importance of fellowship and community among believers. The Greek word for "visit" is "προσελθών" (proselthōn), which implies a purposeful approach. This visit would lead to a fruitful partnership in ministry, showing how God often uses relationships to further His work.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aquila
A Jewish man originally from Pontus, a region in modern-day Turkey. He is a tentmaker by trade and becomes a close associate of Paul.

2. Priscilla
The wife of Aquila, she is also a tentmaker and plays a significant role in the early Christian church alongside her husband.

3. Pontus
A region in the northeastern part of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its diverse population and strategic location.

4. Italy/Rome
The place from which Aquila and Priscilla had recently come, due to an edict by Emperor Claudius expelling Jews from Rome.

5. Claudius' Edict
A historical event where the Roman Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, which led to Aquila and Priscilla relocating to Corinth.
Teaching Points
The Role of Providence in Ministry
God's providence is evident in the way He orchestrates events, such as Claudius' edict, to bring people like Aquila and Priscilla into Paul's life, facilitating the spread of the Gospel.

The Importance of Christian Fellowship
The partnership between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla underscores the importance of fellowship and collaboration in ministry. Believers are encouraged to seek and nurture such relationships.

Using Vocational Skills for God's Glory
Aquila and Priscilla used their tentmaking skills to support themselves and their ministry. Christians are encouraged to view their vocations as opportunities to serve God and others.

Hospitality as a Ministry Tool
The hospitality of Aquila and Priscilla, as seen in their hosting of a church in their home, serves as a model for using one's home and resources to further the Kingdom of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the expulsion of Jews from Rome demonstrate God's sovereignty in the spread of the Gospel?

2. In what ways can we, like Aquila and Priscilla, use our professional skills to support and advance the work of the church?

3. What are some practical ways we can foster and maintain strong Christian fellowship in our own lives?

4. How can we practice hospitality in our homes to support and encourage fellow believers?

5. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected event in your life to bring about spiritual growth or ministry opportunities. How can this encourage you in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 18:3
This verse continues the account, showing Paul working with Aquila and Priscilla in their trade, highlighting the importance of tentmaking in their ministry.

Romans 16:3-4
Paul refers to Priscilla and Aquila as his "fellow workers in Christ Jesus," indicating their significant role in the early church and their personal sacrifice for the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 16:19
Paul mentions the church that meets in the house of Aquila and Priscilla, showing their hospitality and leadership in the Christian community.

2 Timothy 4:19
Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, indicating their continued faithfulness and presence in the early church.
A Glimpse into Apostolic LifeR.A. Radford Acts 18:1-4
Truth Before the CitadelW. Clarkson Acts 18:1-11
An Apostolic PastorateMonday Club SermonsActs 18:1-17
Do the Next ThingJ. W. Burn.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthF. W. Robertson, M. A.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthM. C. Hazard.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthT. D. Witherspoon, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthC. A. Dickinson.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthR. Rhees.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthF. Goodall, B. A.Acts 18:1-17
Paul At CorinthE. Johnson Acts 18:1-17
The Value of Unsuccessful MissionariesActs 18:1-17
Aquila and PriscillaDean Howson.Acts 18:2-4
Christian Journeymen on Their TravelsK. Gerok.Acts 18:2-4
Paul in the WorkshopK. Gerok.Acts 18:2-4
Paul's IndependenceH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 18:2-4
Paul's TradeArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 18:2-4
Tent Making in CorinthC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 18:2-4
The Necessity of an OccupationDean Goulburn.Acts 18:2-4
The Value of a Fixed CallingJ. Stoughton.Acts 18:2-4
Weekly Labour and Sabbath SanctificationK. Gerok.Acts 18:2-4
People
Apollos, Aquila, Claudius, Corinthians, Crispus, Gallio, John, Justus, Paul, Priscilla, Silas, Sosthenes, Timotheus, Timothy, Titus
Places
Achaia, Alexandria, Athens, Caesarea, Cenchreae, Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, Italy, Macedonia, Phrygia, Pontus, Rome, Syria, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Across, Aquila, Aq'uila, Aquilas, Birth, Born, Claudius, Claudius's, Commanded, Depart, Directed, Edict, Expelling, Finding, Italy, Jew, Jews, Lately, Leave, Named, Native, Ordered, Orders, Paid, Paul, Pontus, Priscilla, Race, Recently, Rome, Visit, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 18:2

     5305   empires
     5485   punishment, legal aspects
     5491   refugees
     8405   commands, in NT
     8426   evangelism, motivation

Acts 18:1-2

     7515   anti-semitism

Acts 18:1-3

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 18:1-6

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 18:2-3

     5853   experience, of life
     8447   hospitality, examples

Library
'Constrained by the Word'
'And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified.'--ACTS xviii. 5. The Revised Version, in concurrence with most recent authorities, reads, instead of 'pressed in the spirit,' 'constrained by the word.' One of these alterations depends on a diversity of reading, the other on a difference of translation. The one introduces a significant difference of meaning; the other is rather a change of expression. The word rendered here 'pressed,' and by the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Paul at Corinth
'After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 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 tent-makers. 4. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5. And when Silas and Timotheus
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gallio
'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 xviii. 14, 15. There is something very touching in the immortality of fame which comes to the men who for a moment pass across the Gospel story, like shooting stars kindled for an instant as they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Civil Trial
In the chapter before last we saw the Sanhedrim pass a death sentence on Jesus. Gladly would they have carried it out in the Jewish fashion--by stoning. But, as was then explained, it was not in their power: their Roman masters, while conceding to the native courts the power of trying and punishing minor offences, reserved to themselves the prerogative of life and death; and a case in which a capital sentence had been passed in a Jewish court had to go before the representative of Rome in the country,
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Old Faiths and the New
SECOND GROUP OF EPISTLES GALATIANS. FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS. ROMANS. PROBLEMS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY The new faith in Christ made large claims for itself. It marked an advance upon Judaism and maintained that in Christ was fulfilled all the promises made by the prophets of the coming of the Jewish Messiah. It radically antagonized the heathen religions. It had a double task to win men out of Judaism and heathenism. Only by a careful study of these great doctrinal Epistles, and the
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Third Missionary Journey
Scripture, Acts 18:23-21:17 [Illustration: Outline map illustrating the third missionary journey of Paul and the voyage to Italy.]
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

There Also is Said at what Work the Apostle Wrought. ...
22. There also is said at what work the Apostle wrought. "After these things," it says, "he departed from Athens and came to Corinth; and having found a certain Jew, by name Aquila, of Pontus by birth, lately come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife, because that Claudius had ordered all Jews to depart from Rome, he came unto them, and because he was of the same craft he abode with them, doing work: for they were tent-makers." [2549] This if they shall essay to interpret allegorically, they show what
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

Sources and Literature on St. Paul and his Work.
I. Sources. 1. The authentic sources: The Epistles of Paul, and the Acts of the Apostles 9:1-30 and 13 to 28. Of the Epistles of Paul the four most important Galatians, Romans, two Corinthians--are universally acknowledged as genuine even by the most exacting critics; the Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are admitted by nearly all critics; the Pastoral Epistles, especially First Timothy, and Titus, are more or less disputed, but even they bear the stamp of Paul's genius. On the coincidences
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
We read in the Mishnah (Kidd. iv. 14) as follows: "Rabbi Meir said: Let a man always teach his son a cleanly and a light trade; and let him pray to Him whose are wealth and riches; for there is no trade which has not both poverty and riches, and neither does poverty come from the trade nor yet riches, but everything according to one's deserving (merit). Rabbi Simeon, the son of Eleazer, said: Hast thou all thy life long seen a beast or a bird which has a trade? Still they are nourished, and that
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

King Herod's Enrollment
THE first enrollment in Syria was made in the year 8-7 BC., but a consideration of the situation in Syria and Palestine about that time will show that the enrollment in Herod's kingdom was probably delayed for some time later. Herod occupied a delicate and difficult position on the throne of Judea. On the one hand he had to comply with what was required of him by the Imperial policy; he was governing for the Romans a part of the empire, and he was bound to spread western customs and language and
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World
The reign of Augustus, as is well known, is enveloped in the deepest obscurity. While we are unusually well informed about the immediately preceding period of Roman history, and for part of the reign of his successor, Tiberius, we possess the elaborate and accurate, though in some respects strongly prejudiced account of Tacitus, the facts of Augustus's reign have to be pieced together from scanty, incomplete and disjointed authorities. Moreover, obscure events in a remote corner of the Roman world
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Paul's Journeys Acts 13:1-38:31
On this third journey he was already planning to go to Rome (Acts 19:21) and wrote an epistle to the Romans announcing his coming (Rom. 1:7, 15). +The Chief City+, in which Paul spent most of his time (Acts 19:1, 8, 10), between two and three years upon this journey, was Ephesus in Asia Minor. This city situated midway between the extreme points of his former missionary journeys was a place where Ephesus has been thus described: "It had been one of the early Greek colonies, later the capital
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Supremacy of Christ
THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES COLOSSIANS. PHILEMON. EPHESIANS. PHILIPPIANS. THE QUESTION AT ISSUE +The Supremacy of Christ.+--These Epistles mark a new stage in the writings of Paul. The great question discussed in the second group of Epistles was in regard to the terms of salvation. The question now at issue (in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippian+The Reason for the Raising of this Question+ was the development of certain false religious beliefs among which were, "asceticism, the worship of angels,
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians Introduction to the Epistles of Paul +Epistolary Writings. + --The
STUDY VII THE FUTURE OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM FIRST GROUP OF EPISTLES THE FIRST AND SECOND EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLES OF PAUL +Epistolary Writings.+--The New Testament is composed of twenty-seven books, twenty-one of which are Epistles. Of this latter number thirteen are ascribed to Paul. It is thus seen how largely the New Testament is made up of Epistles and how many of these are attributed to the Great Apostle. In the letters of men of great prominence and power of any
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Moreover, if Discourse must be Bestowed Upon Any...
21. Moreover, if discourse must be bestowed upon any, and this so take up the speaker that he have not time to work with his hands, are all in the monastery able to hold discourse unto brethren which come unto them from another kind of life, whether it be to expound the divine lessons, or concerning any questions which may be put, to reason in an wholesome manner? Then since not all have the ability, why upon this pretext do all want to have nothing else to do? Although even if all were able, they
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice Chester, Justice Blundale, Justice Beecher, Justice Snagg, Etc.
After I had lain in prison above seven weeks, the quarter-sessions were to be kept in Bedford, for the county thereof, unto which I was to be brought; and when my jailor had set me before those justices, there was a bill of indictment preferred against me. The extent thereof was as followeth: That John Bunyan, of the town of Bedford, labourer, being a person of such and such conditions, he hath (since such a time) devilishly and perniciously abstained from coming to church to hear Divine service,
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

The Epistle to the Hebrews.
I. Commentaries on Hebrews by Chrysostom (d. 407, hermeneia, in 34 Homilies publ. after his death by an Antioch. presbyter, Constantinus); Theodoret (d. 457); Oecumenius (10th cent.); Theophylact (11th cent.); Thomas Aquinas (d. 1274); Erasmus (d. 1536, Annotationes in N. T., with his Greek Test., 1516 and often, and Paraphrasis in N. T., 1522 and often); Card. Cajetanus (Epistolae Pauli, etc., 1531); Calvin (d. 1564, Com. in omnes P. Ep. atque etiam in Ep. ad Hebraeos, 1539 and often, also Halle,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

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