Acts 18:18

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:18 marks a pivotal transition in Paul's second missionary journey, detailing his departure from Corinth after a successful eighteen-month ministry. Accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, Paul sails for Syria, but not before performing a significant act of personal devotion in Cenchrea: he shaves his head, fulfilling a vow. This seemingly minor detail provides profound insight into Paul's ongoing connection to his Jewish heritage and his multifaceted approach to ministry, balancing his apostolic calling to the Gentiles with personal piety rooted in the traditions of his people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's extended and impactful ministry in Corinth, which began in [Acts 18:1](/acts/18-1 "Acts 18:1 - Paul Arrives in Corinth"). Preceding this verse, Paul faced opposition from the Jews but found favor with the Roman proconsul Gallio, who refused to intervene in religious disputes, thus securing a period of peace and effective evangelism for Paul (see [Acts 18:12-17](/acts/18-12-17 "Acts 18:12-17 - Gallio's Judgment")). The mention of Paul's departure and the inclusion of Priscilla and Aquila signals the continuation of his missionary journey, setting the stage for his return to Antioch and the subsequent launch of his third journey. The act of shaving his head is a distinct personal interlude within the broader narrative of his public ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a major Roman provincial capital and a bustling port city, known for its commercial activity and diverse population, including a significant Jewish community. Cenchrea, mentioned as the location where Paul shaved his head, was Corinth's eastern port, serving as a vital maritime link to the Aegean Sea and the East. The act of "having shorn his head" for "he had a vow" strongly alludes to a Nazarite vow, as described in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazarite"). This temporary vow involved abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. Upon completion, the hair was shorn at the temple, often accompanied by sacrifices. Paul's observance of such a Jewish custom, despite his primary mission to the Gentiles, highlights the complex identity of early Jewish Christians and their ongoing relationship with the Mosaic Law. It suggests a personal spiritual discipline or a vow made during a period of particular challenge or gratitude in Corinth.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:18 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores **Paul's Jewish Identity and Piety**, demonstrating that even as the apostle to the Gentiles, he remained deeply connected to his heritage and observed Jewish customs where appropriate, reflecting his principle of becoming "all things to all people" (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul's Adaptability in Ministry")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Importance of Partnership in Ministry**, as Priscilla and Aquila continue their journey with Paul, showcasing their integral role in the early church's evangelistic efforts, a theme seen throughout [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Early Church"). Lastly, it marks a **Transitional Phase in the Missionary Journey**, illustrating the dynamic and itinerant nature of apostolic ministry, moving from established work to new territories and responsibilities, a recurring pattern in Paul's travels detailed in [Acts 13-21](/acts/13-21 "Acts 13-21 - Paul's Missionary Journeys").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **for (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle introduces the reason or explanation for Paul's action. In this context, it directly links the shaving of his head to the fulfillment of a vow. It signifies a causal relationship, explaining *why* he performed this specific act, rather than merely stating that he did it. The presence of `gár` emphasizes that the vow is the explicit motivation.
* **vow (Greek, _euchḗ'_):** This term refers to a solemn promise or pledge made to God. While the text does not explicitly name it as a "Nazarite vow," the context of "shorn his head" strongly implies it. A `euchḗ` could be undertaken for various reasons, such as seeking divine favor, expressing gratitude for deliverance, or dedicating oneself to a period of special devotion. Its presence here indicates a personal, spiritual commitment on Paul's part.
* **having shorn (Greek, _keírō'_):** This verb means "to shear" or "to cut the hair." In the context of a vow, particularly a Nazarite vow, the cutting of the hair signified the completion of the period of dedication. The hair, which had been allowed to grow long during the vow, was then shaved off and often offered as a sacrifice. This act was a visible sign of the vow's fulfillment and a ritual purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while":** This clause indicates Paul's continued presence in Corinth for a significant period following the events of Gallio's judgment. The phrase "a good while" (literally "many days") suggests an extended stay beyond the initial eighteen months mentioned in [Acts 18:11](/acts/18-11 "Acts 18:11 - Paul's Extended Stay in Corinth"), emphasizing the depth and duration of his ministry in the city.
* **"and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria":** This describes Paul's departure from the Christian community in Corinth, signifying the end of his work there. His destination, Syria, specifically Antioch, was the home base for his missionary journeys, indicating a return to report on his progress and perhaps to rest before his next endeavors.
* **"and with him Priscilla and Aquila":** This highlights the continued partnership and companionship of Priscilla and Aquila, who had become invaluable co-laborers with Paul in Corinth (as seen in [Acts 18:2-3](/acts/18-2-3 "Acts 18:2-3 - Paul Meets Priscilla and Aquila")). Their presence underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.
* **"having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow":** This is the most distinctive and debated part of the verse. It reveals Paul's personal act of shaving his head in Cenchrea, the port of Corinth, as a fulfillment of a vow he had taken. This strongly points to a Nazarite vow, an act of Jewish piety and devotion, demonstrating Paul's continued adherence to certain aspects of his Jewish heritage despite his primary mission to the Gentiles. The phrase "for he had a vow" provides the explicit reason for this specific action.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Transition**, smoothly moving the story from Paul's established ministry in Corinth to his onward journey. This transition is marked by his departure and sailing. There is also significant **Symbolism** in the act of "shorn his head," which, as discussed, carries deep meaning within Jewish tradition, likely representing the fulfillment of a Nazarite vow. This symbolic act reveals Paul's personal piety and his ongoing connection to his cultural and religious roots. Furthermore, the inclusion of Priscilla and Aquila serves as a literary device of **Continuity**, emphasizing the enduring nature of their partnership in ministry that began earlier in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:18 offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex identity and theological flexibility of the Apostle Paul. His decision to fulfill a Jewish vow, likely a Nazarite vow, demonstrates that his commitment to Gentile inclusion and salvation by grace through faith did not negate his personal reverence for Jewish traditions. This act underscores a broader theological principle: while the Law could not save, it remained a framework for personal devotion and spiritual discipline for many Jewish believers, including Paul. It reflects his strategic approach to ministry, where he was "to the Jews as a Jew, in order to win Jews" ([1 Corinthians 9:20](/1_corinthians/9-20 "1 Corinthians 9:20 - Paul's Adaptability")). This balance showcases a maturity that understood the freedom of the Gospel while respecting cultural and religious sensitivities, all for the sake of advancing the kingdom.

* [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow")
* [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul's Principle of Becoming All Things to All People")
* [Acts 21:23-26](/acts/21-23-26 "Acts 21:23-26 - Paul's Participation in a Purification Rite in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's act of fulfilling a vow in Cenchrea, though seemingly a minor detail, carries significant weight for contemporary believers. It reminds us that genuine faith is not solely about public proclamation but is deeply rooted in personal devotion and consistent spiritual disciplines. Paul, the great apostle of grace, still found value in acts of personal commitment and purification, demonstrating that our freedom in Christ does not preclude a disciplined walk with God. This verse also challenges us to consider our own "vows" to God – perhaps not ritualistic ones, but commitments of time, talent, or treasure. Are we faithful in fulfilling these personal promises to the Lord? Furthermore, Paul's example of cultural sensitivity, even while upholding theological truth, encourages us to find common ground and build bridges, rather than walls, in our efforts to share the Gospel. Our personal piety and our strategic engagement with the world should both flow from a heart fully devoted to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What personal "vows" or commitments have I made to God, and how faithfully am I pursuing their fulfillment?**
* **How does Paul's balance of personal piety and missional flexibility challenge my own approach to faith and ministry?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate deeper personal devotion to God that strengthens my public witness?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul's vow a Nazarite vow, and why would he, the apostle to the Gentiles, take such a Jewish vow?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly call it a "Nazarite vow," the act of "having shorn his head" is a direct parallel to the completion of a Nazarite vow as described in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"). Paul's decision to take such a vow, despite his primary mission to the Gentiles, highlights his complex identity and strategic approach to ministry. He was a Jew by birth and heritage, and he consistently demonstrated respect for Jewish customs and the Law, particularly when ministering to Jewish audiences (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:20](/1_corinthians/9-20 "1 Corinthians 9:20 - Paul's Adaptability")). This vow could have been a personal act of thanksgiving for God's protection during his challenging ministry in Corinth, a dedication for his upcoming journey, or a way to demonstrate his solidarity with Jewish Christians and refute accusations that he was abandoning his heritage. It shows that his theological freedom in Christ did not necessitate a complete rejection of all Jewish practices, especially those related to personal piety.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Paul's vow in Acts 18:18 is rooted in Old Testament Jewish practice, it finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the specific ritual itself, but in the underlying principles of devotion, obedience, and self-sacrifice that Christ perfectly embodied. Paul's act of dedication, whether for thanksgiving or a specific purpose, points to the ultimate dedication of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all vows and the entire Law through His life, death, and resurrection (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Christ's entire life was a living "vow" of obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Furthermore, Paul's willingness to humble himself and participate in a culturally significant act, even as he championed the radical freedom of the Gospel, mirrors Christ's own condescension and identification with humanity, taking on the form of a servant to redeem us (as described in [Philippians 2:5-7](/philippians/2-5-7 "Philippians 2:5-7 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, Paul's personal vow, a fleeting act of human devotion, serves as a faint echo of the perfect, eternal devotion of the Son to the Father, through whom all true spiritual vows are now made and fulfilled.

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 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;