Acts:18

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* Verse 1-6 - Though Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted , and from the people to whom he preached , yet he worked at his calling . An honest trade , by which a man may get his bread , is not to be looked upon with contempt by any . It was the custom of the Jews to bring up their children to some trade , though they gave them learning or estates . Paul was careful to prevent prejudices , even the most unreasonable . The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints ; and the communings of the saints with each other , sweeten labour , contempt , and even persecution . Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ , and blasphemed . They would not believe themselves , and did all they could to keep others from believing . Paul hereupon left them . He did not give over his work ; for though Israel be not gathered , Christ and his gospel shall be glorious . The Jews could not complain , for they had the first offer . When some oppose the gospel , we must turn to others . Grief that many persist in unbelief should not prevent gratitude for the conversion of some to Christ . * Verse 7-11 - The Lord knows those that are his , yea , and those that shall be his ; for it is by his work upon them that they become his . Let us not despair concerning any place , when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people . He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged , the apostle continued at Corinth , and a numerous and flourishing church grew up . * Verse 12-17 - Paul was about to show that he did not teach men to worship God contrary to law ; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him of what was not within his office . It was right in Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion , but yet would not let them , under pretence of that , persecute another . But it was wrong to speak slightly of a law and religion which he might have known to be of God , and which he ought to have acquainted himself with . In what way God is to be worshipped , whether Jesus be the Messiah , and whether the gospel be a Divine revelation , are not questions of words and names , they are questions of vast importance . Gallio spoke as if he boasted of his ignorance of the Scriptures , as if the law of God was beneath his notice . Gallio cared for none of these things . If he cared not for the affronts of bad men , it was commendable ; but if he concerned not himself for the abuses done to good men , his indifference was carried too far . And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God 's people , and have no feeling with them , or care for them , who do not pity and pray for them , are of the same spirit as Gallio , who cared for none of these things . * Verse 18-23 - While Paul found he laboured not in vain , he continued labouring . Our times are in God 's hand ; we purpose , but he disposes ; therefore we must make all promises with submission to the will of God ; not only if providence permits , but if God does not otherwise direct our motions . A very good refreshment it is to a faithful minister , to have for awhile the society of his brethren . Disciples are compassed about with infirmity ; ministers must do what they can to strengthen them , by directing them to Christ , who is their Strength . Let us earnestly seek , in our several places , to promote the cause of Christ , forming plans that appear to us most proper , but relying on the Lord to bring them to pass if he sees good . * Verse 24-28 - Apollos taught in the gospel of Christ , as far as John 's ministry would carry him , and no further . We cannot but think he had heard of Christ 's death and resurrection , but he was not informed as to the mystery of them . Though he had not the miraculous gifts of the Spirit , as the apostles , he made use of the gifts he had . The dispensation of the Spirit , whatever the measure of it may be , is given to every man to profit withal . He was a lively , affectionate preacher ; fervent in spirit . He was full of zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of precious souls . Here was a complete man of God , thoroughly furnished for his work . Aquila and Priscilla encouraged his ministry , by attendance upon it . They did not despise Apollos themselves , or undervalue him to others ; but considered the disadvantages he had laboured under . And having themselves got knowledge in the truths of the gospel by their long intercourse with Paul , they told what they knew to him . Young scholars may gain a great deal by converse with old Christians . Those who do believe through grace , yet still need help . As long as they are in this world , there are remainders of unbelief , and something lacking in their faith to be perfected , and the work of faith to be fulfilled . If the Jews were convinced that Jesus is Christ , even their own law would teach them to hear him . The business of ministers is to preach Christ . Not only to preach the truth , but to prove and defend it , with meekness , yet with power . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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