Acts 18 11

Acts 18:11 kjv

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

Acts 18:11 nkjv

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

Acts 18:11 niv

So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Acts 18:11 esv

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

Acts 18:11 nlt

So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 11 Meaning

Acts 18:11 describes the extended duration and primary activity of the Apostle Paul in Corinth after receiving a direct divine commission and assurance. It signifies his sustained, focused ministry for a period of eighteen months, dedicated entirely to systematically instructing and nurturing the emerging Christian community with the truth of God's revealed message. This period was crucial for establishing the foundational beliefs and practices of the Corinthian church under divine protection and guidance.

Acts 18 11 Context

Acts 18 details Paul's significant ministry in Corinth, a thriving Roman provincial capital known for its wealth, trade, and prevalent paganism, particularly the worship of Aphrodite, making it a challenging environment for the gospel. Upon arriving, Paul initially worked as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, proclaiming Christ in the synagogue every Sabbath. Facing severe opposition and blasphemy from the Jews, he dramatically declared his intent to turn to the Gentiles. Subsequently, he moved his base to the house of Titius Justus, next door to the synagogue, and ministered to many, including Crispus, the synagogue leader, who believed with his entire household. It is within this context of both evangelistic success and escalating opposition that the Lord appeared to Paul in a night vision (Acts 18:9-10), urging him "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent... for I have many people in this city." Verse 11 is the direct fulfillment of this divine encouragement and command, showing Paul's obedience and the resulting period of sustained, effective ministry, establishing the foundational work of the Corinthian church.

Acts 18 11 Word analysis

• And he continued (Καὶ ἐκάθισεν - Kai ekathisen):

  • Kai ("and"): Connects this action directly to the preceding divine encouragement (Acts 18:9-10). It signifies a continuation based on a new assurance.
  • ekathisen (from καθίζω - kathizō): Meaning "to sit down," "to settle," or "to remain." It denotes an intentional, settled presence, not merely a fleeting stop or visit. Paul didn't just pass through; he established himself there, implying an organized and deliberate ministry. This reflects a commitment rooted in God's explicit directive.

• there (ἐκεῖ - ekei):

  • Refers specifically to Corinth. This designation is crucial, highlighting God's specific interest and work within that particular, morally complex, and strategically important urban center. Corinth was a melting pot of cultures, making it an ideal hub for gospel dissemination.

• a year and six months (ἐνιαυτὸν καὶ μῆνας ἕξ - eniauton kai mēnas hex):

  • Eighteen months. This is a remarkably long period for Paul to stay in one city during his missionary journeys. Such an extended stay underscores the profound commitment to discipleship and foundational teaching. It implies significant time for developing relationships, explaining complex truths, and forming a mature Christian community from diverse backgrounds. This long tenure was a direct consequence of the Lord's assurance that He had "many people" in that city and that no one would harm Paul (Acts 18:10). This period provides a crucial anchor for dating events in Paul's life and ministry.

• teaching (διδάσκων - didaskōn):

  • (from διδάσκω - didaskō): "To teach," "to instruct," "to impart knowledge." This word emphasizes systematic instruction rather than merely evangelistic preaching (kēryssō). While preaching proclaims the initial good news, teaching focuses on nurturing, explaining, and grounding believers in sound doctrine, ethics, and practices. This comprehensive instruction was essential for transforming new converts from paganism into established followers of Christ and equipping them for mature Christian living. It speaks to the depth of ministry.

• the word of God (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ - ton logon tou Theou):

  • ton logon (the word/message): Denotes the entire body of revealed truth from God, encompassing the Old Testament Scriptures (which Paul frequently quoted), the teachings of Christ, and the developing apostolic message concerning salvation through faith in Jesus. It is not human philosophy, but divine truth.
  • tou Theou (of God): Specifies the divine origin and authority of the message. This clarifies that Paul was not presenting his own ideas but faithfully delivering God's authoritative, transformative message, which has inherent power (Heb 4:12, Isa 55:11). The apostles consistently prioritized the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:2-4).

• among them (ἐν αὐτοῖς - en autois):

  • "Among them" refers to the mixed group of believers, both Jewish and Gentile, who had responded to Paul's ministry in Corinth. This includes those from the synagogue who believed (e.g., Crispus) and those from pagan backgrounds, gathered into the new church. It emphasizes the communal aspect of Paul's teaching and the formation of a unified body of believers in a multi-ethnic city, setting the stage for the diverse yet unified church Paul would later address in his epistles.

Acts 18 11 Bonus section

The extended stay mentioned in Acts 18:11 highlights the essential strategy of establishing strong, deeply rooted churches in strategically important urban centers. Unlike shorter stops where he sowed seeds, Corinth required intense cultivation. This strategic decision would bear fruit not only in the local church but would later become the recipient of two significant epistles, 1 and 2 Corinthians, which reflect the complex issues that arose within a community established on these foundations. The challenges Paul later addressed in these letters—divisions, immorality, doctrinal disputes, and misuse of spiritual gifts—often stem from the underlying clash between the "word of God" he taught and the entrenched pagan culture of Corinth, showing that even deep teaching required ongoing pastoral care and correction. This prolonged commitment allowed Paul to lay a strong spiritual and organizational framework for the future community, even if the struggles continued after his departure.

Acts 18 11 Commentary

Acts 18:11 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating Paul's obedient response to a direct divine encounter in Corinth. After the Lord assured him of protection and declared, "I have many people in this city," Paul committed to a remarkably extended and focused ministry of eighteen months. This sustained period was not merely for initial proclamation but for comprehensive "teaching the word of God," demonstrating a deliberate shift from evangelism to deep discipleship and church formation. In a cosmopolitan and morally corrupt city like Corinth, this prolonged, authoritative instruction was vital for grounding new converts, both Jew and Gentile, in Christian doctrine and ethics. It underscores the importance of long-term presence and diligent, systematic teaching for the spiritual growth and establishment of a robust church. The verse reflects God's providential plan, Paul's resolute obedience, and the indispensable role of God's unadulterated Word in the expansion of His kingdom, proving that God not only calls workers but also sustains them in difficult fields to nurture His people.