Acts 18:11

And he continued [there] a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

And {G5037} he continued {G2523} there a year {G1763} and {G2532} six {G1803} months {G3376}, teaching {G1321} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} among {G1722} them {G846}.

So Sha’ul stayed there for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among the Corinthians.

And he dwelt there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Acts 18:11 records a significant period in the Apostle Paul's ministry in the city of Corinth, highlighting his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel.

Context

This verse follows Paul's arrival in Corinth during his second missionary journey. After challenging experiences in Athens, Paul found a new base of operations in Corinth, a bustling and diverse Roman provincial capital. Here, he initially worked alongside fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla, and ministered in the synagogue. Despite facing opposition, the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, assuring him, "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city." (Acts 18:9-10). This divine encouragement directly led to the extended stay mentioned in verse 11, marking a crucial foundational period for the early Corinthian church.

Key Themes

  • Sustained Ministry and Perseverance: Paul's decision to remain for eighteen months demonstrates a profound commitment to establishing a strong Christian presence. This long duration allowed for deep roots to be formed, unlike some of his shorter stops.
  • The Centrality of God's Word: The core of Paul's mission was "teaching the word of God." This emphasizes that the foundation of the early church was not human wisdom or philosophy, but the authoritative revelation of God.
  • Divine Assurance and Protection: Paul's extended and fruitful ministry in a challenging city was a direct result of the Lord's promise to protect him and that many people in Corinth would believe. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's providence and guidance in ministry.
  • Church Planting and Discipleship: This period was vital for the growth and discipleship of new believers in Corinth, laying the groundwork for the community to whom Paul would later write his letters (1 and 2 Corinthians).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "teaching the word of God" uses the Greek verb didaskō (διδάσκω), meaning "to teach, instruct, or impart knowledge." This signifies a systematic and authoritative communication of divine truth, not merely casual conversation or evangelism. The object, "the word of God" (ton logon tou Theou), points to the Gospel message grounded in Scripture and the revelation of Christ, which Paul consistently proclaimed as the basis for faith and life. It's the divine message that carries inherent power and authority.

Practical Application

Acts 18:11 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Commitment to Discipleship: Effective spiritual growth often requires sustained and consistent engagement with God's truth, both individually and within a community. It's not just about initial conversion, but ongoing teaching and nurturing.
  • The Primacy of Scripture: Just as Paul focused on "the word of God," so too should our faith and teaching be firmly rooted in the Bible. It remains the source of truth, guidance, and spiritual nourishment (compare with 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  • Perseverance in Service: Ministry and witness often involve challenges and opposition. This verse encourages us to persevere, knowing that God is with us and can use our sustained efforts to build His kingdom, even when results aren't immediately apparent.
  • Trusting God's Leading: Like Paul, we are called to discern and obey God's leading, trusting His promises for provision and protection as we seek to fulfill our part in His grand plan.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 14:3

    Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

  • Acts 19:10

    And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

  • Acts 20:31

    Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

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