Reading for August 8th

 Read Acts 18.1-17. In 18.1-19.41: The mission in Corinth and Ephesus. In verse 2: Aquila and Priscilla appear as partners in ministry with Paul in many contexts (18.18, 26; Rom 16.3; 1 Cor 16.16; 2 Tim 4.19). Claudius' edict expelling the Jews from Rome is dated around 49 CE. In verse 3: Like rabbis and philosophers who worked with their hands (1 Thess 2.9; 2 Thess 3.6-8; 1 Cor 4.12; 9.6), they practiced their trade of tentmaking to avoid becoming a burden to their hearers. In verse 5: The crucial message remains that Jesus is the Messiah (see 2.31-32; 3.18-20; 10.38-43; 18.28). In verse 6: To shake the dust from his clothes is a prophetic act of judgment (Lk 10.11; Acts 13.51), consistent with holding people responsible for their own lives or blood upon their heads (2 Sam 1.16; 1 Kings 2.33). Paul's second threat to go to the gentiles (13.46; 28.28) is also prophetic reproach, but he soon returns to a synagogue (18.19). In verse 8: Crispus is probably the one mentioned by Paul in 1Cor 1.14 as one of the few he baptized. In verses 9-10: The Lord speaking in the vision must be the Lord Jesus, but perhaps through a messenger (9.10;10.3; 16.9). Do not be afraid ... I am with you is an assurance of divine presence (Isa 41.10; 43.5; Jer 1.8, 19; Mt 28.20). In verse 12: According to an inscription found in Corinth, Gallio was named proconsul by Emperor Claudius in late 51 CE. Inverse 13: Their charge against Paul is not general sedition (16.20-21; 17.7) but violation of the law of Israel. In verses 14-17: Gallio refuses to become involved in an intra-Jewish debate (24.20-22; 26.3). Comments or Questions..