For he mightily convinced the Jews,— The proper and full meaning of this passage seems to be as follows: "Apollos, with great judgment, earnestness and power, reasoned with the Jews in their public assemblies before all the people, confutingtheir objections, and plainlydemonstrating from Old Testament prophesies, which he was familiarly acquainted with (Acts 18:24.), that Jesus was indeed the promised, the only true Messiah, whom John the Baptist told them of, and they themselves had been expecting."
Inferences.—The divine wisdom and goodness are very observable from hence—in providing for those who are employed in the work of the gospel suitable associates and companions in their labours; and particularly happy are they, to whom God hath been pleased to give, as to the pious Aquila, such a companion in the nearest relation of life, as may help them forward in the way to heaven, and assist them in the service of religion while they continue upon earth.
God has always, in the treasures of his goodness, proper consolations for those who suffer, and who have recourse to him. How great a one is this—to meet with the company of an apostle,—of a St. Paul! Happy banishment, which is the occasion that these persons fall under the direction of such a man of God!
Much were the fatigues of St. Paul's life softened by the converse of such friends, who, no doubt, rendered the common business of life more pleasant, as well as the work of the Lord more delightful. We find them, while endeavouring to propagate the gospel, maintaining themselves (for reasons peculiar to their situation) by the labour of their own hands; and even Paul the apostle wrought with them: not because he had not a right to demand support, (for he strenuously maintains that right at large, in his address to these very Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.) but to shame his mean-spirited enemies, who accused him of acting on mercenary principles; and because he thought in his conscience, on some other accounts, that his fidelity to Christ would be so much the more apparent, and his labours, by this means, so much the more successful. And what faithful minister, who in his conscience apprehended that to be the case, would not choose to act as he did!
During this his temporal employment, we find St. Paul engaged, as usual, every sabbath-day, in discoursing to the Jews, and in demonstrating to them the truth of the gospel: and it is pleasant and edifying to observe, with what earnestness he applied himself to do it. His unwearied diligence in the ministry, though he received no manner of temporal advantage from it, is a tacit, yet emphatical condemnation of those, who enrich themselves out of the revenues of the church, while they do nothing at all in it, or that which is next to nothing: his zeal and charity are patterns which all pastors ought frequently to consider.
How melancholy is it to find the inveterate prejudices of his hearers prevailing over all the cogency of his demonstrations, and all the warmth of his address? Yet let us observe how he gave them up! with what grief mixed with just indignation at their folly and ingratitude! shaking his garments, and saying, your blood be upon your own heads! I am clean. Thus are impenitent unbelievers their own murderers; they bring upon themselves even the blood and destruction of their own souls. Grievous it is that it should rest upon them; but absolutely necessary, that they who are messengers of God to them, should take heed, if such must after all bleed by the sword of divine justice, that themselves may at last be found pure; for terrible beyond expression must it be, if, through a treacherous or neglectful conduct, the blood of such persons should be required at their hands.
The apostle's success among the Gentiles raised new opposition, and his infirmities frequently occasioned returning fears. But how graciously did our Lord interpose for his encouragement and support, assuring him of his protection, and promising him yet more abundant success! Blessed JESUS, thy grace was sufficient even for this thy servant, amidst all the labours of the ministerial and apostolical office, amidst all the internal as well as external difficulties which he had to encounter in the discharge of it! 2 Corinthians 12:9.
The tumultuous rage of the Jews is nothing surprising; for we have been accustomed often to read of it; but the prudence and moderation of Gallio are truly exemplary. That wise Roman well knew the extent of his office, and was aware that it gave him no title or pretence to dictate in matters of conscience, or to restrain men's religious liberties, so long as they abstained from injustice or mischievous licentiousness, by which the public peace might be disturbed, and the rights of society invaded. May God give to all magistrates such a spirit! the gospel will then, under the influences of divine grace, become an universal religion, and shew the world how little need it has of being supported by civil penalties; to which those are generally most ready to have recourse, who, like these Jews, are confounded by fair arguments.
Who can help observing, from the conduct of these bigots, how apt ignorance and passion are to cause that to be looked upon as contrary to religion, which is the very spirit of it? We easily persuade ourselves, (unless God be of our council,) that what is contrary to our inclinations, is contrary to his law; and the pretence of his interests too often, alas! serves as a veil to cover the malice and obstinacy of men.
The whole conduct of the apostle teaches pastors to apply themselves particularly to those whom they have instructed; to cultivate the good planted among them by frequent and exact visitations, and to have a constant regard to the weak, who stand in need of encouragement from time to time. There are no sorts of labour which the pastoral charity does not embrace: behold we this charity in the great St. Paul; it looks upon the toil and fatigues of so many journeys and voyages as nothing,—but as duty and the truest delight.
It was well for the churches, that so promising and hopeful a fellow-labourer as Apollos was raised up both to St. Paul and to them. We see in this instance how profitable it is to study the word of God. To be fervent and courageous in spirit, to be eloquent and mighty in the scriptures, are happy talents for such as are devoted to the ministry. Would to God all that enter on this work among us may come forth with a zeal and courage like this; nay, and with a humility like that which, in Apollos, adorned all the bright talents with which he was endowed! What he knew, he zealously taught; what he did not know, he was ready thankfully to learn; and that not only from the mouth of an apostle, but of a fellow Christian in inferior life, from Aquila, yea, and from Priscilla too. Since that wise and pious woman knew the way of god through his grace, by longer experience and to greater perdition than Apollos, he was willing, amidst all his popularity and applause, to become her as well as her husband's disciple, and to learn from them both in private discourses those evangelic lessons, in which they were at present more skilful than himself.
From this circumstance we learn, that devout Christians may perform considerable services to the church of God, without being admitted to the sacred ministry, or taking upon them to speak in public. A solicitous concern for the interest of the church, and a constant application to those things which promote the glory of God, are to be found, and may well be exercised, in all states and conditions. Every good man, like Aquila, may have the zeal and spirit of the priesthood, though without the character, and may confer with his friends and neighbours to their mutual edification.
It was prudent in Apollos to take, as well as just in the brethren to grant, proper letters of recommendation, when he was going to the churches in Achaia, where he was a stranger; and well did he answer his recommendation, and make himself known among them by his valuable services. Mighty as he was in the scriptures of the Old Testament, he might well demonstrate from them to the Jews at Corinth that JESUS was the Messiah. Happy had it been for the church and synagogue there, had they known no distinguishing name but his. It is a fond and indecent partiality which leads one man to say, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos: and we may reasonably hope that this zealous evangelist expressed the same displeasure which the apostle himself did on the like occasion; (1 Corinthians 3:4.) and that he laboured with all his might to impress them with the thought, that neither he that planted, nor he that watered, was any thing, but God who gave the increase to both. May this important thought be more deeply impressed on the hearts both of ministers and people, that so all the glory may be rendered to him, from whom all our gifts and graces, and all our successes, proceed!
REFLECTIONS.—1st, St. Paul seems to have made no long stay at Athens. Probably the pride of philosophy promised little success to the gospel which he preached. He therefore next visited Corinth, a city celebrated through all Greece for its trade and opulence.
1. The apostle, unwilling to be burdensome for a maintenance, highly as he was entitled to the most liberal provision, worked for bread at his trade of tent-making; most of, if not all, the Jewish students being brought up to some handicraft business. Aquila, a converted Jew, with his wife Priscilla, who were of this occupation, being banished from Rome, with all the other Jews, by the jealous emperor Claudius; had settled at Corinth. To them, whom he found excellent people, and deeply versed in the things of God, he applied for work, and disdained not to labour for a subsistence—a noble instance of that disinterested zeal which burned in his bosom, and made him willing to undergo any hardship, to prevent the least prejudice that might arise, however unreasonably, against the gospel which he preached! Note; Those who are seeking a service, would do well to settle with persons from whom they are likely to reap good to their souls.
2. While he laboured six days in the week for a maintenance, he visited the synagogue every sabbath, where he reasoned with the Jews and Grecian proselytes, proving from the scriptures with unanswerable arguments the doctrines which he preached, and silencing all their objections; and persuaded them to embrace the salvation which was in Christ Jesus; and, with respect to many, not without success. And being still more animated by the coming of Silas and Timothy, who brought him the glad tidings of the establishment and increase of the churches which he had planted, he urged with greater warmth and earnestness the grand truth, that Jesus was the Christ, the promised Messiah, and that there was no salvation out of him; grieved to behold the obstinate infidelity of the Jews, and mightily constrained with love towards them, and desire after their conversion. Note; a true zeal for Jesus, and love for immortal souls, will give warmth, energy, and spirit to our discourses.
3. When he found all his labours for them rejected with scorn, and returned with reviling; that they opposed with determined obstinacy what they could not answer, and blasphemed that divine Redeemer whom he preached unto them; with just indignation he shook his raiment, and, abandoning them to their wilful impenitence, said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean, having given you solemn warning, and laboured to rescue you from that guilt and ruin which you are terribly and surely bringing upon your souls: from henceforth, since all my words are ineffectual, and rejected by you, I will go unto the Gentiles; not doubting but they will give the gospel word a more welcome reception. Note; (1.) They who wilfully oppose the gospel, exasperated, instead of convinced, go on often to add blasphemy to impenitence. (2.) It is a comfort to a faithful minister to be at least conscious that he is free from the blood of all men. (3.) Woe unto those, against whom the very ministers of grace shall rise up in judgment to accuse and condemn them.
2nd, Having solemnly warned the Jews of the danger and ruin which would be the consequence of their impenitence, he departed.
1. From the synagogue he went to the house adjoining, which belonged to one named Justus, a proselyte, whither those who desired to hear him might resort. And though the generality of the Jews rejected his preaching, yet he saw rich fruits of his labours, Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, being converted to the faith, with all his house: and many of the Corinthians, hearing the gospel, believed and were baptised. Note; Though some reject the gospel, it is a great comfort to a minister's soul to see others not only hear it with attention, but embrace it with affection.
2. Amidst all St. Paul's discouragements, the Lord is with him to support and comfort him, and by a vision in the night animates him boldly to persevere, saying, Be not afraid of the opposition and malice of the Jews; but speak, and hold not thy peace; with all diligence, fidelity, and zeal, declaring the gospel, deterred by no menaces or opposition of the most malignant persecutors: for I am with thee, to support, protect, and prosper thee in all thy labours; and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee, restrained by a secret over-ruling hand from injuring your person, or silencing your ministry; for I have much people in this city, not because of any absolute decree of unconditional election to eternal life, but because Christ saw that they were disposed to believe, and by faith become his people; as elsewhere (John 10:16.) he calls them sheep, who would hereafter believe on him. Note; (1.) If God be with us and for us, we need not be intimidated by the many or the mighty who may rise up against us. (2.) They who are labouring for Christ, though they be not visited with night visions, shall find internal divine supports ministered to them amidst all their tribulations.
3. Encouraged by this declaration, the apostle continued at Corinth, preaching the gospel with unwearied diligence and fervent zeal, and seeing numbers daily added to the church, though there were many adversaries. (See 1 Corinthians 16:9.)
3rdly, Though God had promised to save the apostle from hurt, he does not engage to exempt him from the malicious efforts of his enemies.
1. The Jews, as they had elsewhere done, raised an insurrection, and in a popular tumult dragged St. Paul before Gallio the proconsul, who was the brother of the famous Seneca, and is said to have been of the most sweet and gentle disposition, and universally beloved. Their accusation against the apostle was, that this fellow, so contemptuously do they speak of him, persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law; and because they were allowed the exercise of their religion by the edicts of the Roman emperor, they pretend that it was highly criminal for any Jew to worship God any other way than they did.
2. St. Paul was just going to make his defence, and shew the falsehood as well as malignity of the accusation: but Gallio, understanding that it was a merely religious matter, refused to interfere, and dismissed the cause, saying, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, where any injury had been done, or theft or immorality committed, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you, and do you justice, indecently clamorous as you are: but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, whether Jesus, whom Paul preaches, be your Messiah, and what obligation there lies on him, or those whom he teaches, to worship God after the law of Moses, look ye to it, and end such disputes among yourselves; for I will be no judge of such matters, it is no concern to me how any man worships God, while he approves himself a good subject, and disturbs not the peace of the state. And he drave them from the judgment-seat, expressing his displeasure at their troublesome and impertinent clamours. Note; Magistrates are bound to right the injured; but, where the accusation is evidently frivolous or malicious, such causes should be discountenanced and dismissed.
3. Exasperated at their disappointment, the unbelieving Greeks took hold of Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, St. Paul's friend, and afterwards his fellow-labourer, 1 Corinthians 1:1 and to vent their resentment, they beat him before the judgment-seat, in the face of the governor. And Gallio cared for none of those things, rather choosing to wink at the affront and injustice, than embroil himself with an enraged populace.
4thly, After a long abode at Corinth, and seeing abundant success of his labours, we have,
1. The apostle's departure. Having taken a solemn farewell of the brethren, he set sail for Syria, Priscilla and Aquila accompanying him, having shorn his head in Cenchrea; for he had a vow; willing, as far as was lawful, to comply with the Jews, that he might gain them the more readily to hear him. Note; In all indifferent matters we should become all things to all men, in order, if it please God, that we may by any means gain some to the knowledge of Christ.
2. His arrival at Ephesus, the chief city of the pro-consular Asia. There, as his custom was, he entered into the synagogue of the Jews, and reasoned with them concerning the great truths of Christianity. But his stay was very short, as he wished to hasten to Jerusalem: and therefore, leaving Aquila and Priscilla there, though they, and probably the other Jews, desired him to make some longer abode with them, he set off on his journey to Jerusalem; but with God's permission he engaged to return to them again, and make some longer stay among them, to dispense that gospel which they seemed desirous to hear. Note; As all our motions are under the divine Providence, a gracious soul determines nothing absolutely, but adds to all its purposes, if it please the Lord.
3. Sailing from Ephesus, he arrived at Caesarea; where landing, he went to Jerusalem, and saluted the church, inquiring of their welfare, and gladdening them with the tidings that he brought.
4. From Jerusalem he departed for Antioch, the most celebrated Gentile church, whence he had been at first sent forth, and whither now the second time he returned with still more joyful accounts of the progress of the gospel. After some time spent there, he proceeded on a third visitation, going over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples, confirming them in the faith, encouraging them to persevere, and suggesting the strongest motives and arguments to engage them to take up the cross, and patiently in well-doing to approve their fidelity to their blessed Lord and Master.
5thly, While the apostle was on his travels, under a promise of returning to Ephesus, the Lord was raising up in that place an eminently useful minister in the person of Apollos.
1. The account given of him is, that he was a Jew by birth, a native of Alexandria in Egypt, a man of singular abilities, possessed of a fund of solid learning, and endued with a most persuasive faculty of elocution, deeply read in the scriptures, and every way highly qualified for the work of the ministry. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and, as far as John's ministry went, had embraced the principles of the doctrine of Christ; and so far as his knowledge reached, being fervent in the spirit, and impressed with a warm zeal for God's glory, and the salvation of mankind, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, with much study and pains, according to his best light; knowing only the baptism of John, who spake of the approaching Messiah, and exhorted all men to prepare for his reception. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue, with great freedom of speech and intrepidity of mind, fearless of the faces of men—a noble pattern for our imitation! and happy is it for that people, to whom the Lord is pleased to send such a helper, whose heart, enriched with grace, zealously longs for their salvation; and whose gifts of wisdom and elocution enable him in the most engaging and powerful manner to urge upon the conscience the truths that he preaches.
2. Aquila and Priscilla with pleasure heard him, and, observing his simplicity and zeal, they invited him to their lodging; and being far more experienced and enlightened Christians, they expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly, which it seems he never had an opportunity of being thus informed of before, having probably lived at Alexandria till now; and he immediately embraced the whole gospel, as soon as he heard it. Herein we may observe, (1.) The gracious conduct of Aquila and Priscilla. Though far more experienced in the truths of God, they attended the ministry of Apollos, encouraged him in his work, and helped him greatly by their private conversation. Older Christians should thus be ready to assist young ministers with their advice, and to countenance them in their labours. (2.) The great teachableness of Apollos. Though a man so ingenious, learned, and eloquent, he disdained not to sit as a scholar at the feet of a poor tent-maker and his wife, and to learn of them the good ways of God. Thus should young ministers covet the acquaintance of more aged and wiser Christians: and much, very much, may be learned from conversing with many poor old men and women, despicable as they may appear in the eyes of scientific pride. (3.) Whatever our attainments are, we should never think ourselves too wise to learn. They who truly know most, will covet to know more; and will have their ears open to those who can expound to them the way of God more perfectly.
3. When, after some stay at Ephesus, Apollos was disposed to pass into Achaia, to preach the gospel there, particularly at Corinth, the brethren recommended him by letter to the churches in that country, as an able and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus; and when he came thither, he helped them much which had believed through grace, establishing their faith, comforting their hearts, and building them up on that foundation which Paul had laid; for he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, in their synagogues and before all the people, shewing by the scriptures, with the most convincing arguments and closest application, that Jesus was Christ, the true, expected Messiah, by faith in whom alone salvation could be obtained. Note; (1.) Though we have true faith, yet we need help and quickening, that we may be more confirmed and established in the truth. (2.) They who are put in trust with the gospel, should be able to defend the great truths which they preach, and from the scriptures, with all zeal and meekness, to convince gainsayers and confirm the faithful.