Acts 18:18

¶ And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

And {G1161} Paul {G3972} after this tarried {G4357} there yet {G2089} a good {G2425} while {G2250}, and then took his leave {G657} of the brethren {G80}, and sailed thence {G1602} into {G1519} Syria {G4947}, and {G2532} with {G4862} him {G846} Priscilla {G4252} and {G2532} Aquila {G207}; having shorn {G2751} his head {G2776} in {G1722} Cenchrea {G2747}: for {G1063} he had {G2192} a vow {G2171}.

Sha’ul remained for some time, then said good-bye to the brothers and sailed off to Syria, after having his hair cut short in Cenchrea, because he had taken a vow; with him were Priscilla and Aquila.

Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.

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 Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.

Commentary

Acts 18:18 marks a transitional point in Paul’s second missionary journey, detailing his departure from Corinth and a curious personal act of devotion.

Historical and Cultural Context

After a significant and fruitful eighteen-month ministry in the bustling Roman city of Corinth, as detailed in Acts 18:1-17, Paul prepared to leave. The verse mentions his companions, Priscilla and Aquila, who had become vital partners in his ministry and would continue with him for a time. The most notable detail is Paul "having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow." Cenchrea was the eastern port of Corinth, serving as a gateway to the Aegean Sea. This act strongly suggests Paul had taken a temporary Nazarite vow, a practice rooted deeply in Jewish law. Such a vow, described in Numbers 6, involved abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair for a specified period, and avoiding ritual impurity. At the completion of the vow, the hair was shorn and offered at the temple, often accompanied by sacrifices. Paul's act in Cenchrea, before reaching Jerusalem, might indicate the completion of a partial vow or a symbolic gesture of devotion, perhaps taken during a period of hardship or special prayer in Corinth, signaling his commitment to Jewish customs despite his mission to the Gentiles.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Personal Devotion: Paul, despite being the apostle to the Gentiles, maintained a deep personal connection to his Jewish heritage and practices. This act underscores his personal piety and commitment to God beyond his public ministry.
  • Respect for Law and Tradition: Paul's observance of a Jewish vow demonstrates his understanding and respect for the Mosaic Law, even as he championed salvation by grace through faith. It showcases his principle of becoming "all things to all men" to win some (1 Corinthians 9:20-22).
  • Partnership in Ministry: The continued presence of Priscilla and Aquila highlights the importance of collaborative ministry and spiritual fellowship in spreading the Gospel.
  • Transitional Period: The verse signifies a shift from Paul's established work in Corinth to new mission fields, marking the ongoing, dynamic nature of early apostolic journeys and the expansion of the early church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "vow" here is euchē (εὐχὴ), which refers to a solemn promise or pledge made to God. While the text doesn't explicitly name it as a Nazarite vow, the act of "shaving the head" (keirō, κείρω) is a direct parallel to the practice of fulfilling such a vow, particularly at its conclusion, where the hair was cut and offered. This specific detail reinforces the idea of Paul engaging in a traditional Jewish act of devotion and purification, showcasing his continued spiritual commitment to his heritage.

Practical Application

Acts 18:18 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Commitment and Piety: Paul's vow reminds us that public ministry should be rooted in deep personal devotion and commitment to God. Our private acts of worship and dedication are foundational to our spiritual walk.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Paul's willingness to observe Jewish customs, even as he ministered to Gentiles, teaches us the value of cultural sensitivity and adapting our approach (without compromising truth) to reach diverse audiences. It's about meeting people where they are with the message of Christ.
  • Valuing Spiritual Partnerships: The enduring partnership of Paul with Priscilla and Aquila emphasizes the strength and effectiveness found in working together within the body of Christ. No one is meant to serve alone in ministry.
  • The Journey Continues: Just as Paul moved from one impactful ministry to the next, we are called to be flexible and open to God's leading, understanding that our spiritual journey involves seasons of transition and new assignments from the Lord.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 21:24

    Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

  • Numbers 6:18

    And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put [it] in the fire which [is] under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

  • Numbers 6:5

    All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

  • Numbers 6:9

    And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

  • Acts 18:2

    And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

  • Romans 16:1

    ¶ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:20

    And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
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