Paul’s vow, return to Antioch, Apollos learns a lesson

Paul remains in Corinth for some time longer and then begins the homeward leg of his second great missionary journey. That journey will take him through Ephesus and eventually back to Antioch where he had begun.

The record intensifies the emphasis on Paul’s constant gospel activity. How busy the Apostle was in the Master’s service and the pursuit of souls!

I  PAUL’S JOURNEY BACK TO JERUSALEM COMES AT THE END OF A PERIOD OF SPECIAL DEVOTION TO THE LORD.

1. A solemn vow. Paul’s final days in Corinth are marked by a vow—a solemn promise before God. Little information is given to us but it was apparently a Nazarite vow because that vow terminated in a cutting off the hair. Cp Num 6:1-8, 18. Paul moves on when this vow is complete. Cp Deut 23:21-22. Cenchrea is a port for the city of Corinth. There are times when it is appropriate to make such a special effort in the service of the Lord. Cp Gen 28:20-22, 1Cor 7:5.
2. A special effort to reach the Jews? Paul had been labouring among the Gentiles while in Corinth, v6. It may be that he was now going the extra mile to reach the Jews. Cp 1Cor 9:20. This would also seem to account for his expressed urgency to get to Jerusalem for the feast—likely the Passover. Though, as a Christian, he was under no obligation to observe these Levitical rituals yet he did so voluntarily to avoid unnecessary offence to the Jews. This behaviour may also help to explain his favourable welcome in the synagogue in Ephesus.

II  MINISTRY IN EPHESUS.

1. Parting from Aquila and Priscilla. There is no explanation given as to why. It was not apparently just that they stayed and he journeyed on. He apparently goes alone to preach in the synagogue.
2. Preaching in the synagogue. He does so with unusual acceptance. He is asked to remain rather than being thrown out! It is inconceivable that Paul altered his preaching to obtain such acceptance. Cp 20:19, 27. The Lord was evidently at work here and Paul encountered a less militant opposition.
3. A promise to return, v21. His desire is to follow up this opportunity when time permits in the will of God. Cp 1Cor 16:30.

III   BACK TO ANTIOCH.

Paul’s journeys began and ended in this Gentile congregation.

1. A quick visit to Jerusalem, v22. It is interesting to see that the record gives precedence to his visit to the church rather than any observance of the Passover! The Spirit of God seems to be making a point for the reader! Any voluntary Levitical practice Paul engaged in was of secondary importance.
2. Remaining in Antioch, v23. This was the scene of his first formal preaching labours and where he seems to have felt a special bond.
3. Third journey begins, v23. The Apostle was one whose heart burned with zeal for the souls of men. His Divine call to the regions beyond kept him ever moving on. Cp Rom 15:20-21.

IV  APOLLOS COMES TO EPHESUS.

In Paul’s absence Apollos arrives.

1. A gifted preacher, v24-25.
2. Limitations, v25. The best of preachers are defective in their knowledge! Cp 1Cor 8:2. There was a very serious defect in Apollos’ knowledge—not so much that he was in doctrinal error—but that he was unaware that the Saviour had come. It is now about 25 years since John preached at the commencement of Jesus’ ministry. Apollos’ experience gives an insight into the transition period between the Testaments. No doubt there were many like him—earnest believers but stuck in an OT mindset, expecting the Christ rather than knowing He had come.
3. Instructed, v26. Apollos was willing to learn and Aquila and Priscilla were able to teach him so as to help his ministry. They did so in a friendly, loving fashion first having taken him unto them. This says a great deal about both parties!
4. A useful ministry in Achaia and Corinth. He laboured among both Jew and Gentile. Special notice is taken of the impact of his ministry on the Jews. He worked in the power of God. Cp 1Cor 3:4-9, 4:1.