Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 18:1-6

"After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them; and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought, for by their trade they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook out his raiment and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles." — Acts 18:1-6 (ASV)

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.