Acts 18:12-18
12 But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat,
13 saying, “This man is inciting the people to worship God contrary to the law.”
14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of some crime or vicious, unscrupulous act, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you;
15 but if there are questions about teaching and persons and your own law, see to it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.”
16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat.
17 But they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And yet Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.
18 Now Paul, when he had remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. Paul first had his hair cut at Cenchrea, for he was keeping a vow.
Corinthian Evangelism (11)
Paul departs Corinth
“Now Paul, when he had remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. Paul first had his hair cut at Cenchrea, for he was keeping a vow.” (1) The second missionary journey was nearing its end. In the fall of AD 52, Paul began his return to the Antioch church. (a) The situation in Corinth was calming down. (b) It was time to begin ministry in other regions. These are the two reasons Paul is departing from Corinth. (2) Paul departed from the port of Cenchrea, the harbor city of Corinth, embarking on a sea voyage to Syria. (3) Priscilla and Aquila accompanied him. (4) Silas and Timothy likely remained in Achaia (Corinth). “Paul first had his hair cut at Cenchrea, for he was keeping a vow.” (1) This act is rooted in the Nazirite vow (ref. Num. 6:1-21). Those who took a Nazirite vow abstained from wine and did not cut their hair during the vow’s duration. When the vow was completed, they shaved their head at the temple, and the hair was burned along with the offering. (2) The vow Paul had taken was likely a vow of dedication or gratitude (thanksgiving for safety). The method Paul followed appears to be based on the customs of Diaspora Jews. Since Diaspora Jews often lacked the time or financial resources to go to the temple in Jerusalem, they would shave their heads in their local community and burn the hair without making the journey to the temple. (3) Here, Paul was practicing the Law of Moses, but this does not contradict the teachings of Scripture. For Jews, the New Testament’s teaching on freedom from the Law includes the freedom of both to observe it and not to observe it.
God’s timing
Paul is now heading toward Asia. Previously, he was forbidden to enter Asia from the east, but now he is permitted to enter from the west. Everything has its appointed time in God’s plan. Some things may not be possible now but will be achievable later, while other opportunities may only exist in the present. Blessed is the one who recognizes God’s timing. Those who prioritize daily fellowship with God through devotion will be attuned to His timing.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, everything has its appointed time. Please guide me to be attuned to Your timing. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.