Acts 18:19-21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 18:18-23

We have here Paul in motion, as we have had him at Corinth for some time at rest, but in both busy, very busy, in the service of Christ; if he sat still, if he went about, still it was to do good. Here is, I. Paul's departure from Corinth, Acts 18:18. 1. He did not go away till some time after the trouble he met with there; from other places he had departed when the storm arose, but not from Corinth, because there it had no sooner risen than it fell again. Some tell us that Gallio did... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 18:18-23

18:18-23 After Paul had remained there many days longer he took leave of the brethren and sailed away to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila went with him. At Cenchrea he had his head shorn for he had a vow. They arrived at Ephesus and he left them there. He himself went into the synagogue and debated with the Jews. They asked him to stay a longer time but he would not consent to do so, but he took leave of them saying, "God willing, I will come back to you again." and he set out from Ephesus.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 18:19

And he came to Ephesus ,.... The metropolis of Asia; according to Pliny F3 Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 29. , it had been called by many names; at the time of the Trojan war, Alopes, then Ortygia and Morges, also Smyrna Trachea, Samornion and Prelea, and which he calls the work of the Amazons: some say F4 Heraclides de politiis, p. 456. it was called Ephesus, because Hercules permitted the Amazons to dwell in it, Ephesus in the Greek language signifying "permission"; Pausanias F5 ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 18:20

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them ,.... Either Aquila and Priscilla, whom he left here, for here they were, as is certain from Acts 18:24,26 or rather the Jews with whom he reasoned, who might be desirous of further conference with him, upon the subject they had disputed about; either in order to gain more knowledge, or in hopes of baffling and confounding him: he consented not ; for a reason afterwards given. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 18:21

But bade them farewell, saying ,.... As follows: I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem ; which perhaps was the passover, since that often went by the name of the feast: the why he must by all means keep it, was not because it was obligatory upon him; nor did he always observe it, as appears from his long stay at Corinth, and other places; and besides, as a Christian, he had nothing to do with it; but either because of his vow, Acts 18:18 or because he knew he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 18:19

He came to Ephesus - Where it appears he spent but one Sabbath. It is supposed that Paul left Aquila and Priscilla at this place, and that he went on alone to Jerusalem; for it is certain they were at Ephesus when Apollos arrived there. See Acts 18:24 , Acts 18:26 . Ephesus was at the time in which St. Paul visited it, one of the most flourishing cities of Asia Minor. It was situated in that part anciently called Ionia, but now Natolia. It abounded with the most eminent orators,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 18:21

I must - keep this feast - Most likely the passover, at which he wished to attend for the purpose of seeing many of his friends, and having the most favorable opportunity to preach the Gospel to thousands who would attend at Jerusalem on that occasion. The whole of this clause, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem, is wanting in ABE, six others; with the Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Vulgate. Griesbach leaves it in the text, with the mark of doubtfulness; and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 18:18-22

Return of-Paul to Antioch. We do not know the exact nature of the vow he was under. But the following lessons may be drawn from his conduct:— I. WORK WHILE IT IS DAY . Where God opens the door, let the ready servant enter. The voice of the Almighty saith, "Upward and onward evermore," Work, not for glory and gain, out for the kingdom of God and the salvation of men. II. TARRY NOT TO CONFER WITH FLESH AND BLOOD . Foes might have deterred him in the front;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 18:18-23

The concise narrative. The grain of mustard seed becomes a great tree, and the fowls of the air lodge in its branches. Could we unfold all that is covered under these few words, whole volumes of surpassing interest might be evolved. The occasion and motives of Paul's vow; the first visit to the capital of Proconsular Asia, to be afterwards the scene of such great events; Pentecost at Jerusalem; the interview with James and the elders of Jerusalem; his thoughts in the metropolis of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 18:18-23

The strength which is of man. The most suggestive sentence in these verses is that with which they conclude; but we may gather lessons from others also. We may learn— I. THAT THE DIVINE SPIRIT LEAVES US TO LEARN SOME TRUTHS BY THE TEACHING OF EVENTS . ( Acts 18:18 .) We are a little surprised that Paul should think it necessary to trouble himself with ceremonies which, in Christ Jesus, have become obsolete. But this is one of those things which, among... read more

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