Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 18

Although Paul was entitled to support from the churches he planted and from the people to whom he preached, he nevertheless worked at his trade. An honest trade, by which a man can earn his bread, should not be looked upon with contempt by anyone. It was the custom of the Jews to teach their children a trade, even if they also provided them with education or property.

Paul was careful to prevent prejudices, even the most unreasonable ones. The love of Christ is the best bond of the saints; and the fellowship of the saints with each other sweetens labor, contempt, and even persecution. Most of the Jews persisted in contradicting the gospel of Christ and blasphemed. They would not believe for themselves, and did all they could to keep others from believing.

Consequently, Paul left them. He did not abandon his work; for though Israel is not gathered, Christ and his gospel will 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.

The Lord knows those who are his, indeed, and those who will be his; for it is by his work in them that they become his. Let us not despair about any place, since even in wicked Corinth Christ had many people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered. Thus encouraged, the apostle continued in Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church grew up.

Paul was about to show that he did not teach people to worship God contrary to the law; but the judge would not allow the Jews to complain to him about what was not within his jurisdiction. It was right of Gallio that he left the Jews to themselves in matters relating to their religion, yet he would not let them, under the pretext of that, persecute another. But it was wrong to speak lightly of a law and religion which he could have known was from God, and with which he should have familiarized himself.

In what way God is to be worshipped, whether Jesus is the Messiah, and whether the gospel is 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 did not care for the affronts of evil people, it was commendable; but if he did not concern himself with the abuses done to good people, his indifference went too far. And those who see and hear of the sufferings of God's people, and have no sympathy for 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.

While Paul found he did not labor in vain, he continued laboring. 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 also if God does not otherwise direct our actions.

It is a very good refreshment for a faithful minister to have for a while the fellowship of his brothers. Disciples are encompassed by weakness; ministers must do what they can to strengthen them by directing them to Christ, who is their Strength. Let us earnestly seek, in our respective 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 fit.

Apollos taught the gospel of Christ as far as John's ministry would carry him, and no further. We cannot help but think he had heard of Christ's death and resurrection, but he was not informed about their mystery. Though he did not have the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, as the apostles did, he made use of the gifts he had. The dispensation of the Spirit, whatever its measure 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 attending it. They did not despise Apollos themselves, or undervalue him to others, but considered the disadvantages he had labored under.

And having themselves gained knowledge of the truths of the gospel through their long association with Paul, they shared what they knew with him. Young scholars can gain a great deal from conversation with older Christians. Those who believe through grace still need help. As long as they are in this world, there are remnants of unbelief, and something lacking in their faith that needs to be perfected, and the work of faith that needs to be fulfilled.

If the Jews were convinced that Jesus is Christ, even their own law would teach them to listen to Him. The business of ministers is to preach Christ. Not only to preach the truth, but also to prove and defend it, with meekness, yet with power.