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Chapter 18 describes Paul as just passing through Ephesus because it was not the time to
remain in Ephesus, but to prepare. Paul leaves Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus and travels alone
to Jerusalem. He will then travel to Antioch and begin his third missionary journey.

While in Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla meet Apollos and train him in the New Testament
doctrine. Apollos then travels to Corinth. These few verses demonstrate how far God goes to
prepare a city for the Word. God takes time for every small detail!

Act 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for
Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had
taken a vow.

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

The “good while” Paul stays in Corinth is eighteen months (verse 11). When he departs, he
stops in Ephesus first, but Syria is the final destination. Aquila and Priscilla laid down their lives
for Paul, and Aquila takes a vow to save Paul’s life (Romans 16:3-4). This is a carryover of
Jewish tradition. This is not legalistic, but a personal vow Aquila makes to God on Paul’s behalf.
Paul later does the same in Jerusalem (21:22-26) but with the wrong motive. He is pressured
by legalistic Jews to keep a religious vow in order to preach the gospel. We do not have the
details of Aquila’s vow, but they all face a great danger when he takes this memorial vow to
save Paul.

Act 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue
and reasoned with the Jews.

And he came to Ephesus, and left them (Aquila and Priscilla) there: but he himself (alone)
entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

Ephesus is the capital of the Roman province of Asia. The population is around three hundred
thousand and has a large temple for the worship of Diana.

Act 18:20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent,

Paul had a good response, and many are born again, but Paul is only there to plant seeds for
the new church. He will return later for an excellent ministry, a good harvest.

Act 18:21 but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in
Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.

The “feast that cometh in Jerusalem” is the feast of Pentecost. Paul wants to be in Jerusalem
during the feast to see many of his friends and visit the church at Jerusalem. This will be the
last time he will be able to visit the church in the Lord’s will. The next time he visits, he will be
out of God’s will. He tells the saints at Ephesus he will return if it is the Lord’s will. It will be the