Thursday 31 July 2025
One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.” (vs 9-10)
Background
This week we are reading about Paul, who today has moved on from Athens to visit Corinth in Greece. It was a commercial hub with a reputation for hedonism and immorality and had been destroyed by Rome in 146 BC and rebuilt by Julius Caesar.
The city was home to a diverse population, including Jews, Greeks and Romans. Paul's arrival coincided with the expulsion of Jews from Rome under Emperor Claudius, which led to his meeting with the Jew Aquila and his wife Priscilla.
Aquila and Priscilla played a pivotal role in Corinth in the early Christian movement. Like Paul, they were tentmakers, and their hospitality and shared trade allowed Paul to stay in Corinth and support himself while preaching the gospel.
Unlike the apostles or formal church leaders, Aquila and Priscilla were laypeople who actively taught and mentored others, for example, Apollos whom they met in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-28). Their bi-vocational ministry – working while evangelising – remains a powerful example for modern believers.
The Roman legal system plays a role in this passage, as Gallio's decision not to get involved in Jewish matters sets a precedent for how Christianity would be treated under Roman law. Gallio's dismissal of the charges against Paul suggests that Roman authorities viewed Christianity as a sect of Judaism, rather than a separate, illegal religion. This legal precedent allowed Christianity to spread more freely within the Roman Empire.
Paul's ministry in Corinth highlights the challenges of preaching in a morally corrupt city. His shift from preaching in the synagogue to focusing on Gentiles (non-Jews) reflects the broader mission of Christianity. The vision from God reassures Paul, showing divine support for his work.
To Ponder:
- How would you describe Paul's partnership with Aquila and Priscilla? What were the benefits of this partnership for the ministry?
- In what ways would you say, Paul's ministry compares with church ministers' work today?
- Does God call lay people into the ministry. How?
Prayer
Lord, help us to be faithful witnesses knowing that you'll always send divine helpers when we need them. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Jonathan Gichaara
Dr Gichaara is a retired Methodist minister. He lives in the Doncaster Circuit with Elizabeth, his wife.