Question 1

Why did Paul stay in Corinth for a good while before leaving?

Accepted Answer

Paul did not rush out of Corinth, even though he had faced trouble there earlier. He stayed for many days because God was clearly at work and the opposition had been held back. Leaving too soon might have unsettled new believers who were still learning and growing. By remaining, he could keep teaching, encourage the church, and help them stand firm in their faith. When he finally took his leave, it was a calm, loving goodbye, not a fearful escape, and he left them with counsel and comfort.

Question 2

Why did Paul shave his head in Cenchrea for a vow?

Accepted Answer

The text says Paul had his head shaved in Cenchrea because of a vow. This likely points to a Jewish practice where shaving marked the completion of a vow. Paul did not do this because he thought such ceremonies earned him favor with God. He knew Christ had fulfilled the old system. He seems to have done it to respect the customs of Jews he was trying to reach, and to avoid needlessly offending them, while still keeping his heart fixed on Christ, not on the outward ritual itself.

Question 3

Why did Paul leave Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus?

Accepted Answer

Paul brought Priscilla and Aquila from Corinth and then left them in Ephesus. They were trusted co-workers who could help build up the believers there while Paul moved on for a time. Their presence made it easier for others in Ephesus to hear about Jesus and to be ready when Paul returned. This shows that ministry is not a one-man job. Paul planted and moved, but he also made sure faithful friends stayed behind to teach, welcome others, and care for the growing church.

Question 4

Why did Paul refuse to stay longer in Ephesus even when asked?

Accepted Answer

In Ephesus, Paul spoke in the synagogue and the Jews actually wanted him to stay longer, which had not always been the case in other cities. Yet he said no, because he felt bound to go to Jerusalem for an upcoming feast. He was not simply following his own plans. He believed this trip would give him a chance to serve God’s purposes among many gathered there. He promised he would return to Ephesus, but only added this promise with the humble words, “if God will,” showing his plans were under God’s rule.

Question 5

What does Paul mean when he says, "I will return again unto you, if God will"?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says he will return "if God will," he is admitting that his plans are limited and God is in charge of the future. He wants to come back to Ephesus, but he knows he cannot control what will happen. This teaches a simple, important habit for believers: we should hold our plans with open hands. It is fine to plan and desire good things, but we should remember that every step depends on God, and speak and think in a way that shows that humble trust.

Question 6

Why did Paul want to keep the feast in Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Paul was eager to reach Jerusalem in time for a feast. The passage suggests two things at once. First, he still respected the Jewish calendar and customs, not as a way to earn salvation, but as a way to reach his own people. Second, feasts drew many Jews from different places, so it gave him a wide door for ministry. He could meet many at once and speak about Jesus. His hurry to attend the feast shows he was always thinking about how best to serve and speak in the time God gave him.

Question 7

What is the importance of Paul greeting the church at Jerusalem and then going to Antioch?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s short visit to the church in Jerusalem shows he still valued the older, founding community of believers there. Even though his ministry had spread far, he did not forget where the church had first grown. Greeting them likely meant sharing news, giving encouragement, and receiving it. After that he went down to Antioch, which had sent him out earlier. This pattern of returning and reporting shows the early churches were connected, cared for one another, and shared in the work rather than being isolated.

Question 8

What does this passage show about Paul’s view of Jewish customs and Christian freedom?

Accepted Answer

Here Paul completes a vow and hurries to a feast, both rooted in Jewish practice. At the same time, other parts of Scripture show he did not rest his hope on such rituals. In this passage, his actions seem guided by love and wisdom, not by a belief that these customs were still required to be right with God. He adjusts himself to those he is trying to reach, without binding his conscience. This helps believers see that cultural forms can be used in a wise way, while our trust stays in Christ alone.

Question 9

How can believers today apply Paul’s example of travel and ministry in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Believers today can see several simple lessons here. Paul stayed where his work was helping people grow, but he also knew when to move on. He kept strong ties with older churches and newer ones. He made plans, yet always with a sense that God could lead him differently. He adapted to people’s background when it did not compromise the gospel. In everyday life, this can look like keeping in touch with Christian friends, supporting local churches, making thoughtful plans, and always saying in our hearts, “If the Lord wills.”

Acts 18:18

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Paul Returns to Antioch

Cross References

Acts 18:18

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

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Paul Returns to Antioch

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