Acts 18:18-21

AT CENCHREA. Acts 18:18.

Acts 18:18

And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreae; for he had a vow.

Acts 18:18 Thanks to Gallio Paul was permitted to remain in Corinth as long as he deemed necessary. This is the only town where this took place. It might be well to say that while here the two epistles to the Thessalonians were written. For some reason Paul wanted to hasten to Syria. Taking his leave of the saints in Corinth, whom he loved so well, he made plans to sail for Syria. He took with him Priscilla and Aquila. Upon arrival at the seaport town of Cenchrea he cut his hair in fulfillment of a vow he had made earlier. This vow was probably one of thanksgiving for some act of God's goodness. It was similar to that of a Nazarite but there is no reason to assume that it was such. There was at this time or later, a thriving little church, of which Phoebe was a deaconess, located at Cenchrea. (Cf. Romans 16:1).

695.

What connection with Corinth do I and II Thess. have?

696.

Why did Paul cut his hair in Cenchrea? What kind of vow was it?

18.

IN EPHESUS. Acts 18:19-21.

Acts 18:19

And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

Acts 18:20

And when they asked him to abide a longer time, he consented not;

Acts 18:21

but taking his leave of them, and saying I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 18:19-21 A few days sail, if the weather was ordinarily propitious, would enable his vessel to anchor in the famous haven of Panorunus (the port of Ephesus) which was then a forest of masts at the center of the Mediterranean trade, but is now a reedy swamp in a region of desolation. (Farrar).

Leaving Priscilla and Aquila somewhere in the town of Ephesus, Paul immediately looked out the synagogue in the town. It must have been the sabbath day when Paul and his friends landed in Ephesus. Paul could see what a glorious opportunity this great city presented for the gospel; but he must not tarry, he could leave the two workers he had brought with him. Promising the interested Jews that he would return if God wills, he took his leave of this great city.