Acts 18:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:11 marks a pivotal eighteen-month period in the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, during which he established a foundational ministry in the bustling Roman city of Corinth. Empowered by a divine vision and promise of protection, Paul dedicated himself to the systematic and sustained teaching of God's word, laying deep spiritual roots for the nascent Christian community and demonstrating the importance of perseverance and divine enablement in the face of urban challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a critical turning point in Paul's Corinthian ministry. Having arrived from Athens, Paul initially faced significant opposition in the synagogue, leading to his shift in focus to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). The Lord then appeared to Paul in a night vision, directly addressing his fears and assuring him, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city" ([Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - The Lord's Encouragement to Paul")). This divine encouragement and promise of protection directly precedes and undergirds the extended, fruitful ministry described in Acts 18:11, highlighting God's sovereign hand in Paul's missionary endeavors and the establishment of the Corinthian church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a strategic, wealthy, and notoriously immoral Roman provincial capital, serving as a major trade hub connecting East and West. Its diverse population included Greeks, Romans, and a significant Jewish community. The city was known for its temples, including that of Aphrodite, and its prevalent pagan worship and ethical laxity presented a challenging environment for the Gospel. Paul, a tentmaker by trade, initially worked with Aquila and Priscilla ([Acts 18:2-3](/acts/18-2-3 "Acts 18:2-3 - Paul Meets Aquila and Priscilla")) to support himself, a common practice for itinerant teachers. His extended stay of eighteen months was unusually long for Paul's missionary journeys, underscoring the strategic importance of Corinth and the depth of the spiritual need, as well as the divine imperative for a sustained presence to counteract the city's pervasive influences.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's extended ministry in Corinth contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and his broader epistles. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, as God's direct intervention in [Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - The Lord's Encouragement to Paul") assures Paul of His presence and purpose, leading to a sustained and fruitful work. Secondly, it highlights the **Centrality of the Word of God** in evangelism and discipleship, as Paul's primary activity was "teaching the word of God," establishing truth as the foundation for faith and community. Thirdly, the passage underscores **Perseverance in Ministry**, demonstrating that effective church planting and spiritual formation often require sustained commitment and resilience in the face of opposition, rather than fleeting visits. Finally, it foreshadows the **Formation of the Church**, as this period laid the groundwork for the vibrant, albeit complex, community to whom Paul would later address his letters of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **continued (Greek, _kathízō'_):** From a verb meaning "to seat down," this term here implies settling, dwelling, or tarrying, indicating Paul's deliberate and sustained presence in Corinth. It suggests a fixed, established position for ministry, rather than a transient visit, reflecting the Lord's command to "not be silent" ([Acts 18:9](/acts/18-9 "Acts 18:9 - The Lord's Command to Paul")).
* **teaching (Greek, _didáskō'_):** A prolonged (causative) form of a verb meaning "to learn," this word signifies the act of imparting knowledge or instruction in a systematic and authoritative manner. It points to Paul's role as an apostle and teacher, systematically communicating divine truth and doctrine to new believers and inquirers, moving beyond initial evangelism to deep discipleship.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** Meaning "something said," "discourse," or "reasoning," in the phrase "the word of God," this term refers to the divine message, the Gospel, grounded in the revelation of Christ and the Old Testament Scriptures. It carries inherent authority and power, being the very communication of God ([Greek, _theós'_], G2316) to humanity, which Paul faithfully proclaimed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he continued [there] a year and six months":** This clause specifies the remarkable duration of Paul's stay in Corinth – a full eighteen months. The verb "continued" (G2523, _kathízō_) implies a settled, deliberate presence, not merely a passing visit. This extended period allowed for deep engagement with the community, thorough instruction, and the establishment of a robust Christian assembly, unlike many of Paul's shorter stops. The specific timeframe underscores the strategic importance of Corinth in Paul's missionary strategy and God's plan.
* **"teaching the word of God among them":** This phrase defines the core activity of Paul's prolonged ministry. "Teaching" (G1321, _didáskō_) indicates systematic instruction, not just evangelistic preaching, suggesting a focus on discipleship and theological formation for new believers. The object of his teaching was "the word of God" (G3056, _lógos_ and G2316, _theós_), emphasizing that the foundation of the Corinthian church was divine revelation, the Gospel message centered on Christ, rather than human philosophy or wisdom. The phrase "among them" (G1722, _en_ and G846, _autós_) highlights Paul's immersive presence within the community, living and working alongside them, embodying the message he proclaimed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Conciseness** to convey a significant period of ministry with remarkable brevity, focusing on the duration and the core activity. The phrase "a year and six months" serves as a **Temporal Marker**, emphasizing the sustained nature of Paul's commitment, which was atypical for his often-itinerant ministry. This extended timeframe also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the importance of Corinth as a strategic center for the Gospel. Furthermore, the direct statement "teaching the word of God" uses **Direct Statement** to clearly articulate Paul's primary mission, underscoring the **Thematic Reinforcement** of the centrality of divine truth in the early church's growth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:11 profoundly illustrates the divine methodology for church planting and spiritual formation: sustained, authoritative teaching of God's revealed truth, empowered by divine presence and protection. Paul's eighteen-month tenure in Corinth underscores that deep spiritual transformation and the establishment of resilient communities of faith require more than initial evangelistic fervor; they demand patient, consistent, and thorough discipleship rooted in the Word. This commitment reflects God's own patience and His desire for His people to be grounded in truth, enabling them to withstand the pressures of a hostile world. The verse also implicitly connects to the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as Paul's extended and fruitful ministry directly followed the Lord's assurance in [Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - The Lord's Encouragement to Paul") that He was with him and had many people in that city.

* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Profitability of Scripture")
* [Colossians 1:28](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Paul's Proclamation of Christ")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering commitment to "teaching the word of God" for a significant period in a challenging city like Corinth offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual growth and the building of God's kingdom are not always about rapid, spectacular events, but often about consistent, diligent, and patient engagement with truth. In a world saturated with fleeting trends and superficial information, the call to immerse ourselves in, and faithfully proclaim, the unchanging "word of God" remains paramount. This verse encourages us to value deep discipleship over shallow engagement, to persevere in our callings even when faced with opposition, and to trust that God's promises of presence and protection are sufficient to sustain us in every season of ministry and life. Our effectiveness, like Paul's, ultimately rests on God's enabling grace and the power inherent in His revealed Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's sustained commitment in Corinth challenge my own approach to spiritual growth or ministry?**
* **In what ways am I actively "teaching" or being "taught" the word of God in my life and community?**
* **What specific "words of God" (promises, commands, truths) do I need to cling to for perseverance in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific duration of Paul's stay in Corinth mentioned, and what does it signify?**

Answer: The mention of "a year and six months" (eighteen months) is highly significant because it was an unusually long period for Paul to remain in one city during his missionary journeys. It signifies several crucial points. Firstly, it highlights the strategic importance of Corinth as a major Roman center, making it a vital hub for Gospel dissemination. Secondly, it underscores Paul's commitment to deep, foundational church planting and discipleship. Unlike shorter visits, eighteen months allowed for systematic teaching, the establishment of leadership, and the nurturing of a nascent Christian community amidst a challenging pagan environment. Thirdly, it demonstrates the direct impact of the Lord's prior assurance to Paul in [Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - The Lord's Encouragement to Paul"), confirming God's protective hand and His sovereign plan to gather "many people in this city." This extended stay was a direct act of obedience and faith in God's provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:11, with its emphasis on Paul "teaching the word of God," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living "Word of God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). Paul's sustained ministry in Corinth was not merely about imparting abstract theological concepts, but about proclaiming the person and work of Christ—the one through whom all things were created and in whom all truth resides ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Just as Paul faithfully taught the revealed will of God, Christ Himself was the perfect Teacher, embodying and explaining the Father's heart and truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The power of the "word of God" that transformed lives in Corinth derived from its ultimate source, Jesus, who is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living Word")). Moreover, Paul's perseverance and the divine assurance he received were a direct reflection of Christ's own enduring faithfulness and His promise to be with His disciples "to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")), empowering them to make disciples by teaching all that He commanded. Thus, Paul's ministry in Corinth, sustained by divine promise and centered on God's word, was a Christ-empowered and Christ-proclaiming endeavor, building a church that would ultimately point to Him.

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

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.