Acts 18:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} found {G2147} a certain {G5100} Jew {G2453} named {G3686} Aquila {G207}, born {G1085} in Pontus {G4193}, lately {G4373} come {G2064} from {G575} Italy {G2482}, with {G2532} his {G846} wife {G1135} Priscilla {G4252};(because that {G1223} Claudius {G2804} had commanded {G1299} all {G3956} Jews {G2453} to depart {G5563} from {G1537} Rome {G4516}:) and came {G4334} unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

where he met a Jewish man named Aquila, originally from Pontus but having recently come with his wife Priscilla from Italy, because Claudius had issued a decree expelling all the Jews from Rome. Sha’ul went to see them;

Berean Standard Bible

There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them,

American Standard Version

And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:2 introduces Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple whom Paul encounters in Corinth. Their arrival in the city is presented as a direct consequence of Emperor Claudius's decree expelling all Jews from Rome. This verse not only sets the stage for a pivotal partnership in Paul's ministry but also highlights the broader historical context of Jewish dispersion and the early spread of Christianity within the Roman Empire, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating seemingly disparate events for His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's arrival in Corinth, as detailed in [Acts 18:1](/acts/18-1 "Acts 18:1 - Paul Arrives in Corinth"). Having just left Athens, where his philosophical discourse on Mars Hill yielded limited conversions, Paul enters Corinth, a bustling and notoriously immoral port city. The encounter with Aquila and Priscilla is the very first interaction recorded for Paul in Corinth, establishing his initial support network and living arrangements. This meeting is crucial as it provides Paul with both a place to stay and a means of livelihood through their shared trade of tentmaking, as explicitly stated in [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking Trade"). Their partnership quickly evolves beyond shared labor into a deep spiritual and ministerial collaboration, setting a precedent for Paul's modus operandi in subsequent cities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Acts 18:2 is the "Edict of Claudius," issued around A.D. 49-50. This decree commanded "all Jews to depart from Rome." Roman historians like Suetonius corroborate this event, noting that Claudius expelled Jews from Rome because they were causing continuous disturbances "at the instigation of Chrestus" (Suetonius, *Life of Claudius*, 25.4). This reference to "Chrestus" is widely understood to refer to Christ, indicating that the early spread of Christianity within the Jewish community in Rome was already causing significant internal strife and external friction with Roman authorities. This edict led to a forced diaspora of Jewish residents, including Jewish Christians, from the capital, scattering them across the empire. Aquila and Priscilla's presence in Corinth thus exemplifies the broader displacement experienced by many Jewish believers during this period, highlighting the volatile environment in which the early church operated.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. **Divine Providence** is profoundly evident, as God uses a seemingly adverse political decree (the expulsion of Jews from Rome) to strategically position key individuals like Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, where they could meet Paul and become instrumental in the spread of the Gospel. This illustrates God's ability to work through human decrees and societal disruptions for His redemptive purposes, a theme echoed in passages like [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good"). The verse also introduces the theme of **Fellowship and Partnership in Ministry**, foreshadowing the deep and enduring collaboration between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla. Their shared Jewish heritage and common trade provided an immediate bond, which blossomed into a powerful ministry team, demonstrating the importance of synergistic relationships in advancing God's kingdom. Finally, the narrative touches upon the theme of **Persecution and Displacement**, underscoring the challenges faced by early Christians, particularly Jewish believers, who often experienced hostility and forced relocation from both Roman authorities and sometimes from their own countrymen, as seen in other instances of opposition to the Gospel in Acts, such as the persecution in Jerusalem in [Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution in Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jew (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** From *Iouda* (in the sense of *Ioudas* as a country), referring to one belonging to Jehudah. In this context, it identifies Aquila as ethnically and religiously Jewish, a crucial detail for understanding his background and the context of his expulsion from Rome. This designation highlights the Jewish roots of early Christianity and the initial focus of Paul's ministry, often beginning in synagogues.
* **Commanded (Greek, _diatássō'_):** From *dia* and *tasso*, meaning "to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc." This word emphasizes the authoritative nature of Claudius's decree. It was not a suggestion but an official, binding order from the highest Roman authority, underscoring the involuntary nature of Aquila and Priscilla's relocation and the widespread impact of imperial policy on the lives of ordinary citizens.
* **Depart (Greek, _chōrízō'_):** From *chora*, meaning "to place room between, i.e. part; reflexively, to go away." This term vividly describes the forced separation and expulsion of the Jews from Rome. It conveys the sense of being uprooted and displaced, highlighting the hardship and disruption caused by the imperial edict, yet also setting the stage for God's providential redirection of their lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;":** This clause introduces the key figures, Aquila and Priscilla, providing essential biographical details. Aquila is identified as a Jew, emphasizing his ethnic and religious identity. His birthplace, Pontus (a region in Asia Minor), indicates the widespread diaspora of Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire. The phrase "lately come from Italy" establishes their recent arrival in Corinth, setting up the subsequent explanation for their relocation. Priscilla is introduced as his wife, immediately establishing their marital unit and joint presence.
* **"(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:)":** This parenthetical clause provides the crucial historical and causal explanation for Aquila and Priscilla's presence in Corinth. It explicitly names Emperor Claudius and his edict, which mandated the expulsion of "all Jews" from the imperial capital, Rome. This detail is vital for understanding the circumstances of their displacement and highlights the impact of Roman imperial policy on the early Christian community, particularly its Jewish members.
* **"and came unto them.":** This final, concise clause describes Paul's action upon finding Aquila and Priscilla. The verb "came unto them" implies not just a physical approach but an intentional seeking out and engagement, setting the stage for their immediate connection and the subsequent development of their profound partnership in ministry. It signifies the beginning of a divinely orchestrated relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Concise Narration** to efficiently convey significant historical and personal details. Luke, the author of Acts, masterfully weaves together biographical information, a major imperial decree, and the immediate consequence for key individuals into a single, flowing sentence. The use of a **Parenthetical Explanation** ("because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome") is a powerful technique. It provides essential **Historical Context** without interrupting the main narrative flow, serving as a crucial explanatory aside that clarifies the circumstances of Aquila and Priscilla's arrival. This parenthetical statement also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader challenges and movements within the early church that will continue to shape Paul's ministry. The verse also subtly uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the imperial decree (a human act of power and control) directly alongside God's providential arrangement (Paul finding these specific individuals), implicitly highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty over human affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:2 serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign providence, demonstrating how seemingly disruptive political and social events can be precisely orchestrated by divine will to advance His kingdom purposes. The forced displacement of Aquila and Priscilla from Rome, intended by Claudius to quell unrest, inadvertently positioned them to meet Paul in Corinth, initiating one of the most fruitful partnerships in early Christian history. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's ability to transform adversity into opportunity, using human decisions, even those driven by hostility or political expediency, to fulfill His redemptive plan. It underscores that God is not limited by human decrees or geographical boundaries, but rather works through them to gather His people and spread His Gospel.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works for Good")
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Plan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:2 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's hand is at work even in the midst of global upheaval and personal disruption. Just as Aquila and Priscilla were displaced by a political decree, many today face forced migration, economic hardship, or unexpected changes that uproot their lives. This verse encourages us to look for God's purpose in such circumstances, recognizing that He often uses our "detours" to connect us with new people, open new opportunities for ministry, and deepen our reliance on Him. It challenges us to remain open to divine appointments, understanding that the people God brings into our lives, even strangers, can become vital partners in our spiritual journey and service. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of Christian hospitality and fellowship, as the immediate connection between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla provided a foundation for mutual support, shared labor, and collaborative ministry. We are called to be attentive to the needs of those who are displaced or new to our communities, extending grace and practical help, just as Aquila and Priscilla found a new home and purpose in Corinth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have you seen God's providence at work in unexpected or challenging circumstances in your own life, transforming what seemed like a setback into an opportunity?**
* **In what ways can you actively seek out and foster deeper partnerships with other believers, recognizing that shared skills and mutual support can greatly enhance ministry effectiveness?**
* **How can your church or community better welcome and integrate individuals who are new or displaced, recognizing the potential for divine connections and new avenues for Gospel impact?**

### FAQ
**What was the "Edict of Claudius" and why was it issued?**

Answer: The "Edict of Claudius" was an imperial decree issued by the Roman Emperor Claudius, likely around A.D. 49-50, which commanded the expulsion of "all Jews to depart from Rome." Roman historians like Suetonius confirm this event, stating that Claudius expelled the Jews because they were causing continuous disturbances "at the instigation of Chrestus" (Suetonius, *Life of Claudius*, 25.4). This indicates that the early spread of Christianity within the Jewish community in Rome was leading to significant internal strife and unrest, prompting the emperor to remove the perceived source of the disturbance. The edict resulted in a widespread diaspora of Jewish residents, including Jewish Christians like Aquila and Priscilla, from the capital city, scattering them across various parts of the Roman Empire, including Corinth, where they encountered the Apostle Paul, as noted in [Acts 18:2](/acts/18-2 "Aquila and Priscilla Arrive in Corinth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:2, while primarily a historical account, points to Christ's ongoing work through His body, the church, and His sovereign control over all earthly affairs. The forced displacement of Aquila and Priscilla by a Roman emperor's decree serves as a powerful illustration of how God orchestrates human history, even its chaotic and oppressive elements, to advance His redemptive plan centered on Christ. Just as Joseph's brothers intended evil, but God used it for good (as seen in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Plan")), so too Claudius's edict, intended to quell unrest, inadvertently positioned key individuals to further the Gospel of Christ. This highlights the ultimate authority of Christ, who is "head over every rule and authority" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Christ's Fullness and Authority")), and whose kingdom is not bound by earthly decrees or geographical limitations. The meeting of Paul with Aquila and Priscilla, facilitated by this edict, foreshadows the global spread of the Gospel, not by human might or power, but by the Spirit of Christ working through His obedient followers ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Not by Might, Nor by Power")). Their subsequent partnership in ministry, risking their lives for Paul ([Romans 16:4](/romans/16-4 "Aquila and Priscilla Risk Their Lives")), exemplifies the self-sacrificial love and unity that characterize those who follow Christ, reflecting His own ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of humanity ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Thus, this historical moment in Acts ultimately testifies to the unwavering sovereignty of Christ, who builds His church even amidst persecution and displacement, ensuring that the gates of hell will not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Peter's Confession and the Church")).

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

Romans 16:3

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Romans 16:4

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 4:19

Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

1 Corinthians 16:19

¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Acts 18:26

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Acts 11:28

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

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.