Paul was sent to Athens due to increasing persecution from the Jews (Acts 17:14–15). While in Athens, his spirit was stirred with urgency because of the overwhelming idolatry present in the city (Acts 17:16–17). He encountered both Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who were intrigued by his teachings (Acts 17:18–21). Paul addressed them on Mars' Hill, the Roman name for the Hill of Aries, where he boldly spoke to them about the resurrection of the dead (Acts 17:22–34).
From there, Paul traveled to Corinth (Acts 18:1–10). In Corinth, the Lord granted Paul a season of rest. He received a night vision from the Lord encouraging him not to fear, but to speak boldly (Acts 18:9–10). As a result, Paul remained there for a year and six months, continuing to teach the word of God (Acts 18:11).
Despite this time of peace, the Jews again attempted to stir up trouble. Under the leadership of Gallio, the proconsul, they brought Paul before the judgment seat, accusing him of persuading people to worship God apart from the Law (Acts 18:12–13). Before Paul could respond, Gallio dismissed the case, deeming it a matter of Jewish custom and law, and not a criminal issue (Acts 18:14–15). He drove the accusers away from the judgment seat (Acts 18:16), and Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, was beaten in protest (Acts 18:17). Paul continued to remain in Corinth for some time, enjoying rest from Jewish persecution (Acts 18:18).
Paul then began his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 18:18–23). Leaving Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila, he traveled toward Syria. Along the way, Paul shaved his head, having taken a vow. This may reflect a Nazirite-type vow, a voluntary act of consecration to the Lord (cf. Numbers 6:1–21). Such vows symbolized separation from worldly pleasures and a dedication to spiritual matters, often including abstention from grape products and refraining from cutting one’s hair during the vow.
While the Nazirite vow comes from the Mosaic Law, Christian vows differ. James 5:15 describes a vow rooted in mental weariness, often in response to wrongdoing. Vows are not to be taken lightly and must be fulfilled if undertaken (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21–23; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6). For Christians, purification begins within—purifying the heart from sin (James 4:8), living out a soul already purified by obedience to the truth (1 Peter 1:22), and removing from one’s life anything inconsistent with our identity in Christ (1 John 3:3; Titus 2:14).
Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus, where he entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews (Acts 18:19). Although he had shaken out his garments against the Jews in Corinth (Acts 18:6), this was not a change in the Church’s focus from Jews to Gentiles. Paul consistently went to the Jew first throughout his ministry. Though the Jews at Ephesus requested him to stay longer, Paul declined, for he was determined to be in Jerusalem for the Passover (Acts 18:20–21). He continued on and returned to Antioch (Acts 18:22), strengthening the assemblies in Galatia and Phrygia along the way (Acts 18:23).
Meanwhile, Apollos entered the scene (Acts 18:24–28). He was eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures. Arriving in Ephesus, where Priscilla and Aquila remained, Apollos taught fervently, although he only knew of the baptism of John. Recognizing this limitation, Aquila and Priscilla privately explained to him the way of the Lord more accurately. The brethren then wrote letters of approval for Apollos, who traveled to Achaia and was of great help to the believers there. He powerfully refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Apollos eventually served as the pastor of the assembly in Corinth. However, due to the carnality of that assembly, divisions arose, with some claiming allegiance to different teachers (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul later encouraged Apollos to return to Corinth, but he chose not to at that time (1 Corinthians 16:12).
Carnality stems from the desires of the flesh. A carnal believer cannot mature spiritually (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). A mind set on the flesh results in death and cannot subject itself to God (Romans 8:5–8).
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