Acts 18:1

KJV

¶ After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} After {G3326} these things {G5023} Paul {G3972} departed {G5563} from {G1537} Athens {G116}, and came {G2064} to {G1519} Corinth {G2882};

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, Sha’ul left Athens and went to Corinth,

Berean Standard Bible

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

American Standard Version

After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:1 marks a crucial geographical and spiritual transition in Paul's second missionary journey. Having completed his engagement in Athens, a city steeped in philosophical discourse but largely resistant to the Gospel, Paul strategically relocates to Corinth. This bustling, cosmopolitan port city, renowned for its commercial prowess and pervasive immorality, presented a new and distinct challenge, yet also a fertile ground for the establishment of a vibrant Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct narrative continuation from the events detailed in [Acts 17](/acts/17 "Acts 17 - Paul in Athens and Berea"). Paul's ministry in Athens, particularly his famous address on [Mars' Hill](/acts/17-22-31 "Paul's Sermon on Mars' Hill"), yielded limited immediate results, with only a few individuals, such as Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, embracing the faith ([Acts 17:32-34](/acts/17-32-34 "The Response in Athens")). The phrase "After these things" signals the conclusion of that particular phase of ministry and the deliberate movement to a new location. Luke's concise reporting highlights the ongoing, dynamic nature of Paul's Spirit-led mission, always pressing forward to new territories.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth, at the time of Paul's arrival, was a thriving Roman provincial capital and the most important city in Greece. Strategically situated on the Isthmus of Corinth, it controlled vital land and sea trade routes between the Aegean and Adriatic seas. This commercial prosperity, however, was intertwined with a notorious reputation for moral decadence and diverse pagan worship, including the infamous temple of Aphrodite. Its population was a melting pot of Romans, Greeks, Jews, and various other ethnicities, making it a challenging but highly influential center. Paul's decision to come to Corinth was not arbitrary; it was a strategic move to plant the Gospel in a city whose cultural and economic influence could facilitate its wider dissemination throughout the Roman Empire.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:1 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Missionary Progress and Perseverance**, demonstrating Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel despite varied responses and challenging environments, as seen in his continuous movement from city to city. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Guidance in Evangelism**, as Paul's movements, though seemingly strategic, were ultimately directed by God's providence, leading him to key urban centers like Corinth where a significant church would be established, as evidenced by his later epistles of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians"). Lastly, the verse implicitly showcases the **Universal Reach of the Gospel**, emphasizing that the message of Christ is for all people, regardless of their intellectual background (Athens) or moral condition (Corinth).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Greek, _chōrízō'_):** From G5563, meaning "to place room between, i.e. part; reflexively, to go away." This word emphasizes Paul's active decision to separate himself from Athens, marking a definitive end to his ministry there and initiating a new phase. It's not a passive withdrawal but a purposeful movement.
* **Athens (Greek, _Athēnai'_):** From G116, referring to the capital of Greece, named after the goddess of wisdom. This name evokes the city's identity as a center of philosophy, intellectualism, and idolatry, providing a stark contrast to the commercial and morally lax environment of Corinth. Paul's departure from Athens signifies a shift from a context of intellectual debate to one of pervasive sensuality.
* **Corinth (Greek, _Kórinthos'_):** From G2882, the name of a prominent city in Greece. Its mention immediately brings to mind its reputation as a wealthy, strategic port city notorious for its immorality and diverse pagan cults. Paul's arrival here sets the stage for a ministry that would directly confront these cultural realities, leading to the formation of a church that would grapple with significant ethical and theological challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After these things":** This introductory phrase, a common narrative marker (Greek: _metá taûta_), serves as a temporal connector, indicating that the events of Paul's ministry in Athens have concluded. It signifies a sequential progression in the missionary journey, signaling a shift in location and focus.
* **"Paul departed from Athens":** This clause highlights Paul's agency and the completion of his work in the intellectual capital. His departure was a deliberate act, not merely a casual move, signifying the strategic nature of his missionary endeavors. It implies a sense of concluding one phase of ministry, regardless of the perceived success or lack thereof, and readiness for the next.
* **"and came to Corinth":** This final clause identifies Paul's new destination. His arrival in Corinth marks the beginning of a significant and challenging period of ministry, one that would lead to the establishment of a foundational church in a highly influential, yet morally complex, urban center.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise report in [Acts 18:1](/acts/18-1 "Acts 18:1 - Paul arrives in Corinth") effectively uses several literary devices. The primary device is **Transition**, as the verse serves as a narrative bridge, smoothly moving the story from Paul's Athenian ministry to his arrival in Corinth. This transition is marked by the phrase "After these things," which acts as a clear narrative signpost. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between Athens and Corinth; while not explicitly stated, the reader familiar with the preceding chapter understands the stark contrast between Athens, a city of philosophical discourse and intellectual pride, and Corinth, a city known for its commercialism and pervasive immorality. This contrast highlights the diverse environments the Gospel penetrates. Furthermore, Luke employs **Conciseness**, delivering a pivotal geographical shift in a remarkably brief statement, characteristic of his economical yet impactful narrative style in Acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's movement from Athens to Corinth, as recorded in this verse, powerfully illustrates the dynamic and Spirit-led nature of early Christian missions. It underscores the theological truth that God's kingdom is not confined to specific cultural or intellectual strongholds but is intended to permeate every facet of human society, regardless of its moral or philosophical climate. Paul's perseverance, his willingness to leave a place of limited receptivity for a new, challenging, yet strategically vital location, reflects a deep trust in divine guidance and the universal power of the Gospel to transform lives. This continuous forward movement, even in the face of varying degrees of success, epitomizes the relentless advance of God's redemptive plan through His chosen instruments.

* [Acts 16:6-10](/acts/16-6-10 "Paul's Macedonian Call") - Illustrates divine guidance in Paul's missionary journeys, directing him to specific regions.
* [Philippians 3:13-14](/philippians/3-13-14 "Pressing on toward the goal") - Reflects Paul's personal commitment to pressing forward in his calling, leaving behind what is past for what lies ahead.
* [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "Paul's Adaptability in Ministry") - Demonstrates Paul's strategic adaptability to different cultural contexts, becoming "all things to all people" to win some.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding perseverance, divine leading, and strategic engagement in ministry. Just as Paul moved from Athens, where intellectualism often overshadowed spiritual hunger, to Corinth, a city grappling with profound moral issues, we too are called to be flexible and responsive to God's direction. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are willing to "depart" from comfortable or familiar settings, or even from ministries that seem to yield little fruit, if God is calling us to new, potentially more challenging, but strategically vital fields. It reminds us that God's work often involves transitions, new beginnings, and a willingness to step into environments that desperately need the light of the Gospel, regardless of their reputation. Our mission is not always about immediate visible success, but about faithful obedience to the Spirit's leading, trusting that God will bring forth fruit in His time and in His way.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might God be calling me to "depart" from the familiar and "come" to a new, perhaps more challenging, place?**
* **How do I discern God's leading when faced with the decision to move on from a difficult or seemingly unfruitful situation?**
* **What "Corinths"—places or people groups with significant moral or spiritual challenges—is God calling me or my church to strategically engage with the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul leave Athens, and was his ministry there considered a failure?**

Answer: Paul's departure from Athens was likely a combination of strategic decision and divine leading, not necessarily an admission of failure. While the immediate results in Athens, as recorded in [Acts 17:32-34](/acts/17-32-34 "The Response to Paul's Sermon in Athens"), showed limited conversions compared to other cities, some individuals did believe, and the seed of the Gospel was sown in a highly influential intellectual center. Paul consistently moved to new cities, driven by the Spirit's direction and a strategic vision to spread the Gospel as widely as possible. His ministry was about planting churches and proclaiming the message, not solely about the number of immediate converts in any single location. Moving to Corinth, a major commercial hub, was a strategic choice to reach a different, yet equally influential, segment of the Roman world.

**What was the significance of Paul choosing Corinth as his next destination?**

Answer: Corinth was a city of immense strategic importance for the spread of the Gospel. As a major Roman provincial capital and a bustling port city, it was a crossroads of trade, culture, and diverse populations. Its wealth attracted people from all over the Roman Empire, and its influence extended far beyond its borders. While it was notorious for its rampant immorality and diverse pagan cults, this very characteristic made it a prime target for the transformative power of the Gospel. Establishing a strong church in Corinth meant that the message could naturally radiate outwards through its extensive commercial and social networks. Paul's lengthy stay there (18 months, [Acts 18:11](/acts/18-11 "Paul's stay in Corinth")) and the subsequent letters he wrote to the Corinthian church ([1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians")) underscore its critical role in early Christianity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's journey from Athens to Corinth, a movement driven by divine purpose and strategic foresight, profoundly illustrates the Christ-centered nature of the apostolic mission. Just as Christ himself "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus' purpose to serve and give his life")), Paul's relentless itinerancy reflects the expansive and self-giving heart of the Gospel. His mission to reach every corner of the world, from the intellectual elite of Athens to the morally compromised populace of Corinth, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission")). The very act of bringing the Gospel to a city like Corinth, infamous for its sin, underscores the transformative power of Christ's cross and resurrection, which alone can reconcile humanity to God. Paul's work in Corinth ultimately points to the universal Lordship of Christ, before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")). The establishment of a church in such a challenging environment is a testament to the fact that the Gospel "is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")), demonstrating that Christ's redemptive work extends to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Acts 19:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 Timothy 4:20

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Acts 17:32

¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].

Acts 17:33

So Paul departed from among them.

Acts 17:15

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.