We may pick out a number of features of Paul’s labors at Corinth:
His evangelism. 18:5 reads, “Paul was engrossed in this preaching of the word” (Moffatt) once Silas and Timothy arrived. Probably their coming and work freed him from the necessity of dividing his time between preaching and his craft, and made a full-time ministry possible.
His decision, following on the hardened attitude of the Jews (18:6-7), to divert his energies into the channel of a mission to the Gentiles (18:8) and to set up a rival meeting-place next door to the synagogue. Would this arrangement have been approved by modern missionary policy-makers? But Crispus’ conversion seems to have been a direct fruit of this bold venture, to be followed by that of many Corinthians.
His encouragement (18:9-10). In spite of some success and the strength of Christian fellowship in the work, Paul grew depressed, and needed the heartening reminder and caution of a night-time vision. The message is precisely suited to his immediate situation: “Stop being afraid, and go on speaking.” A special promise of the Lord’s protecting hand implies that his life was in some peril and the assurance that his work was not to be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) must have breathed fresh courage into his jaded spirit. (Compare 1 Kings 19:18.) The effect on Paul was notable (18:11).
Notes 18:5: perhaps Silas and Timothy brought him gifts from the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:15) and this made possible a full-time ministry. 18:6: “he shook out his garments”—an act of protest (cf. Nehemiah 5:13). For the following phrase, see Matthew 27:25. 18:7: Ramsay identifies this man with Gaius (Romans 16:23). What we do know is that he was a Roman citizen and a God-fearer. 18:8: Paul refers to this conversion in 1 Corinthians 1:14 (baptism following conversion) and Gaius (?Titius Justus) is mentioned there also. 18:9: notice the translation above, which brings out the Greek tenses. Something of Paul’s fear is reflected in 1 Corinthians 2:3. For the church as God’s people, see 1 Peter 2:9-10.
