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Text -- Acts 18:18 (NET)

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Context
Paul Returns to Antioch in Syria
18:18 Paul, after staying many more days in Corinth, said farewell to the brothers and sailed away to Syria accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because he had made a vow.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Aquila the husband of Priscilla
 · Cenchreae the eastern port town of Corinth
 · Paul a man from Tarsus who persecuted the church but became a missionary and writer of 13 Epistles
 · Priscilla the wife of Aquila
 · Syria the country to the north of Palestine,a country of north western Mesopotamia


Dictionary Themes and Topics: VOWS | Thessalonians, Epistles to the | PAUL, THE APOSTLE, 1 | Nazarite | NAZIRITE | LAW IN THE NEW TESTAMENT | LAODICEANS, EPISTLE TO THE | Hair | HEAD | Ephesus | Corinth | Coriander | Cenchrea | CORINTHIANS, FIRST EPISTLE TO THE | COMMERCE | CENCHREAE | BALDNESS | Aquila | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 8-12 | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 13-OUTLINE | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Act 18:18 - -- Having tarried after this yet many days ( eti prosmeinas hēmeras hikanas ). First aorist (constative) active participle of prosmenō , old verb, t...

Having tarried after this yet many days ( eti prosmeinas hēmeras hikanas ).

First aorist (constative) active participle of prosmenō , old verb, to remain besides (pros as in 1Ti 1:3) and that idea is expressed also in eti (yet). The accusative is extent of time. On Luke’ s frequent use of hikanos See note on Act 8:11. It is not certain that this period of "considerable days"which followed the trial before Gallio is included in the year and six months of Act 18:11or is in addition to it which is most likely. Vindicated as Paul was, there was no reason for haste in leaving, though he usually left after such a crisis was passed.

Robertson: Act 18:18 - -- Took his leave ( apotaxamenos ). First aorist middle (direct), old verb, to separate oneself, to bid farewell (Vulgate valefacio ), as in Act 18:21...

Took his leave ( apotaxamenos ).

First aorist middle (direct), old verb, to separate oneself, to bid farewell (Vulgate valefacio ), as in Act 18:21; Mar 6:46.

Robertson: Act 18:18 - -- Sailed thence ( exeplei ). Imperfect active of ekpleō , old and common verb, inchoative imperfect, started to sail. Only Priscilla and Aquila are m...

Sailed thence ( exeplei ).

Imperfect active of ekpleō , old and common verb, inchoative imperfect, started to sail. Only Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned as his companions though others may have been in the party.

Robertson: Act 18:18 - -- Having shorn his head ( keiramenos tēn kephalēn ). First aorist middle (causative) of keirō , old verb to shear (sheep) and the hair as also in...

Having shorn his head ( keiramenos tēn kephalēn ).

First aorist middle (causative) of keirō , old verb to shear (sheep) and the hair as also in 1Co 11:6. The participle is masculine and so cannot refer to Priscilla. Aquila comes next to the participle, but since mention of Priscilla and Aquila is parenthetical and the two other participles (prosmeinas , apotaxamenos ) refer to Paul it seems clear that this one does also.

Robertson: Act 18:18 - -- For he had a vow ( eichen gar euchēn ). Imperfect active showing the continuance of the vow up till this time in Cenchreae, the port of Corinth whe...

For he had a vow ( eichen gar euchēn ).

Imperfect active showing the continuance of the vow up till this time in Cenchreae, the port of Corinth when it expired. It was not a Nazarite vow which could be absolved only in Jerusalem. It is possible that the hair was only polled or trimmed, cut shorter, not "shaved"(xuraō as in Act 21:24) for there is a distinction as both verbs are contrasted in 1Co 11:6 (keirāsthai ē xurāsthai ). It is not clear what sort of a vow Paul had taken nor why he took it. It may have been a thank offering for the outcome at Corinth (Hackett). Paul as a Jew kept up his observance of the ceremonial law, but refused to impose it on the Gentiles.

Vincent: Act 18:18 - -- Took his leave ( ἀποταξάμενος ) See on Luk 9:61; and Mar 6:46.

Took his leave ( ἀποταξάμενος )

See on Luk 9:61; and Mar 6:46.

Vincent: Act 18:18 - -- Priscilla and Aquila They are named in the same order, Rom 16:3; 2Ti 4:19.

Priscilla and Aquila

They are named in the same order, Rom 16:3; 2Ti 4:19.

Vincent: Act 18:18 - -- Having shorn his head Referring to Paul, and not to Aquila.

Having shorn his head

Referring to Paul, and not to Aquila.

Vincent: Act 18:18 - -- He had a vow A private vow, such as was often assumed by the Jews in consequence of some mercy received or of some deliverance from danger. Not t...

He had a vow

A private vow, such as was often assumed by the Jews in consequence of some mercy received or of some deliverance from danger. Not the Nazarite vow, though similar in its obligations; for, in the case of that vow, the cutting of the hair, which marked the close of the period of obligation, could take place only in Jerusalem.

Wesley: Act 18:18 - -- After the year and six months, to confirm the brethren.

After the year and six months, to confirm the brethren.

Wesley: Act 18:18 - -- As was the custom in a vow, Act 21:24; Num 6:18.

As was the custom in a vow, Act 21:24; Num 6:18.

Wesley: Act 18:18 - -- A seaport town, at a small distance from Corinth.

A seaport town, at a small distance from Corinth.

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- During his long residence at Corinth, Paul planted other churches in Achaia (2Co 1:1).

During his long residence at Corinth, Paul planted other churches in Achaia (2Co 1:1).

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- Rather, "for"

Rather, "for"

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- To Antioch, the starting-point of all the missions to the Gentiles, which he feels to be for the present concluded.

To Antioch, the starting-point of all the missions to the Gentiles, which he feels to be for the present concluded.

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- In this order the names also occur in Act 18:26 (according to the true reading); compare Rom 16:3; 2Ti 4:19, which seem to imply that the wife was the...

In this order the names also occur in Act 18:26 (according to the true reading); compare Rom 16:3; 2Ti 4:19, which seem to imply that the wife was the more prominent and helpful to the Church. Silas and Timotheus doubtless accompanied the apostle, as also Erastus, Gaius, and Aristarchus (Act 19:22, Act 19:29). Of Silas, as Paul's associate, we read no more. His name occurs last in connection with Peter and the churches of Asia Minor [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- The eastern harbor of Corinth, about ten miles distant, where a church had been formed (Rom 16:1).

The eastern harbor of Corinth, about ten miles distant, where a church had been formed (Rom 16:1).

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- Paul.

Paul.

JFB: Act 18:18 - -- That it was the Nazarite vow (Num. 6:1-27) is not likely. It was probably one made in one of his seasons of difficulty or danger, in prosecution of wh...

That it was the Nazarite vow (Num. 6:1-27) is not likely. It was probably one made in one of his seasons of difficulty or danger, in prosecution of which he cuts off his hair and hastens to Jerusalem to offer the requisite sacrifice within the prescribed thirty days [JOSEPHUS, Wars of the Jews, 2.15.1]. This explains the haste with which he leaves Ephesus (Act 18:21), and the subsequent observance, on the recommendation of the brethren, of a similar vow (Act 21:24). This one at Corinth was voluntary, and shows that even in heathen countries he systematically studied the prejudices of his Jewish brethren.

Clarke: Act 18:18 - -- And Paul - tarried there yet a good while - The persecuting Jews plainly saw, from the manner in which the proconsul had conducted this business, th...

And Paul - tarried there yet a good while - The persecuting Jews plainly saw, from the manner in which the proconsul had conducted this business, that they could have no hope of raising a state persecution against the apostles; and the laws provided so amply for the personal safety of every Roman citizen that then were afraid to proceed any farther in their violence. It would not be unknown that Paul was possessed of the right of Roman citizenship; and therefore his person was sacred as long as he did nothing contrary to the laws

It is probable that at this time Paul stayed, on the whole, as Corinth, about two years

Clarke: Act 18:18 - -- Having shorn his head in Cenchrea - But who was it that shore his head? Paul or Aquila? Some think the latter, who had bound himself by the Nazarite...

Having shorn his head in Cenchrea - But who was it that shore his head? Paul or Aquila? Some think the latter, who had bound himself by the Nazarite vow, probably before he became a Christian; and, being under that vow, his conscience would not permit him to disregard it. There is nothing in the text that absolutely obliges us to understand this action as belonging to St. Paul. It seems to have been the act of Aquila alone; and therefore both Paul and Priscilla are mentioned before Aquila; and it is natural to refer the vow to the latter. Yet there are certainly some weighty reasons why the vow should be referred to St. Paul, and not to Aquila; and interpreters are greatly divided on the subject. Chrysostom, Isidore of Seville, Grotius, Hammond, Zegerus, Erasmus, Baronius, Pearce, Wesley, and others, refer the vow to Aquila. - Jerome, Augustin, Bede, Calmet, Dodd, Rosenmuller, and others, refer it to St. Paul. Each party has its strong reasons - the matter is doubtful - the bare letter of the text determines nothing: yet I cannot help leaning to the latter opinion. Perhaps it was from feeling the difficulty of deciding which was under the vow that the Ethiopic and two Latin versions, instead of κειραμενος, having shaved, in the singular, appear to have read κειραμενοι, they shaved; and thus put both Paul and Aquila under the vow

Cenchrea. This was a port on the east side of the isthmus of Corinth, opposite to the Lecheum, which was the other port on the west. And it is likely that it was at Cenchrea that St. Paul took shipping for Syria, as it would be more convenient her him, and a shorter passage to embark at Cenchrea, in order to go by the Aegean Sea to Syria, than to embark at the Lecheum, and sail down into the Mediterranean. This isthmus is generally described now as dividing the Gulf of Lepanto, on the west, from the Gulf of Engia, or Eginaon, on the east.

Calvin: Act 18:18 - -- 18.And when he had tarried there many days Paul’s constancy appeareth in this, in that he is not driven away with fear, lest he should trouble the ...

18.And when he had tarried there many days Paul’s constancy appeareth in this, in that he is not driven away with fear, lest he should trouble the disciples, who were as yet ignorant and weak, with his sudden and untimely departure. We read in many other places, that when persecution was raised against him elsewhere he fled forthwith. What is the cause then, that he stayeth at Corinthus? to wit, when he saw that the enemies were provoked with his presence to rage against the whole Church, he did not doubt but that the faithful − 336 should have peace and rest by his departure; but now, when he seeth their malice bridled, so that they cannot hurt the flock of God, he had rather sting and nettle them, than by departing minister unto them any new occasion of rage. Furthermore, this was the third journey which Paul took to Jerusalem. For going from Damascus, he went once up that he might be made known to the apostles. And he was sent the second time with Barnabas, that he might handle and end the controversy about ceremonies. But Luke doth not set down for what cause he now took such a long and laborious journey, determining with all speed to return. −

When he had shorn his head It is uncertain whether that be spoken of Aquila or of Paul: neither skilleth it much. Though I interpret it willingly of Paul, because it seemeth to me a likely thing that he did this for because of the Jews, unto whom he was about to come. Assuredly, I think this to be a thing which all men grant, that he made not any ceremonial vow for his own cause, only that he might do some worship to God. He knew that that was to continue only for a time which God commanded under the law to the old people; and we know how diligently he teacheth that the kingdom of God consisteth not in these external elements, and how straitly he urgeth the abrogating thereof. It had been an absurd thing for him to bind his own conscience with that religion from which he had loosed all other men. −

Therefore, he did shear his head for no other cause, save only that he might apply himself − 337 to the Jews, who were as yet ignorant, and not thoroughly taught; as he doth testify that he took upon him the voluntary observing of the law, from which he was freed, that he might gain those who were under the law, ( 1Co 9:20.) If any man object that it was not lawful for him to make semblance of a vow which he had not made from his heart, we may easily answer, that as touching the substance of purifying he did not dissemble, and that he used the ceremony which was as yet free, not as if God did require such worship, but that he might somewhat bear with the ignorant. −

Therefore, the Papists are ridiculous when they fet − 338 from hence an example of making vows. Paul was moved with no religion to make his vow; but these men place a reigned worship of God in vows. Respect of time enforced Paul to keep the rites of the law. These men do nothing else but entangle in superstition the Church of Christ, which was set free long ago. For it is one thing to bring in use again old ceremonies used long ago, and another to tolerate the same being as yet used, until such time as they may by little and little grow out of use. I omit that the Papists in vain and foolishly compare the shaving of their priests with the sign of purifying which God had allowed in the law. But because we need not stand any longer to refute them, let this one thing suffice us, that Paul bound himself with a vow that he might bring those which were weak to Christ, at least that he might not offend them, which vow he knew was of no importance before God. −

19. Entering into the synagogue. In that he shook his garment at Corinthus, − 339 it was [not] done for that cause, (as this place teacheth,) that he might cast off the whole nation, but only such as he had already tried [experienced] to be of desperate obstinacy. Now, he cometh afresh unto the Ephesians, that he might try whether he could find any more obedience among them. Furthermore, it is a wonder, that seeing it appeareth by Luke’s report that he was heard more patiently in this synagogue than in any other place, and also that he was requested to tarry, he did not grant their request. Hence we may easily gather that which I said before, that he had some great cause to go up to Jerusalem in haste. Also, he himself showeth that he must make haste, saying, I must keep the feast which is at hand at Jerusalem. Neither is it to be doubted but that after he had set things in good order there, he departed with their good leave; and we may gather out of Luke’s words that they did admit his excuse lest the repulse should offend them. And this is worth the noting, that when better hope to do good is offered us than we were wont to have, we are drawn unto divers affairs, as it were, by the hand of God, that we may learn to give over ourselves to be governed at his pleasure. −

The feast That which I said of late touching the vow doth also appertain unto the feast day. For Paul meant not to do thereby any duty of godliness − 340 to God, but to be at the assembly, wherein he might do more good than at any other time of the year. For the Epistle to the Galatians doth sufficiently testify what account he made of difference of days, ( Gal 4:10.) And we must note that he maketh no promise touching his return without using this exception, if it please the Lord. We do all confess that we be not able to stir one finger without his direction; but because there reigneth in men so great arrogancy everywhere, that they dare determine anything (passing over God) not only for the time to come, but also for many years, we must oftentimes think upon this reverence and sobriety, that we may learn to make our counsels subject to the will and providence of God; lest, if we be deliberate and take counsel as those use to do who think that they have fortune at their commandment, we be justly punished for our rashness. And though there be not so great religion in words but that we may at our pleasure say that we will do this or that, yet is it good to accustom ourselves to use certain forms in our speeches, that they may put us in mind that God doth direct all our doings. −

Defender: Act 18:18 - -- For some reason, Paul had apparently taken a Nazarite vow, not cutting his hair until the duration of the vow was finished. Possibly it was a vow of t...

For some reason, Paul had apparently taken a Nazarite vow, not cutting his hair until the duration of the vow was finished. Possibly it was a vow of thanks for God's promise of protection (Act 18:10). Although this was strictly a Jewish institution (Numbers 6), Paul often made an effort to retain his Jewish identity, hoping thereby to reach the Jews more effectively (1Co 9:19, 1Co 9:20; Act 16:3; Act 21:18-26)."

TSK: Act 18:18 - -- Syria : Act 15:23, Act 15:41, Act 21:3; Gal 1:21 Priscilla : Act 18:2 having : Act 21:24; Num 6:5-9, Num 6:18; 1Co 9:20 Cenchrea : Cenchrea, now Kenkr...

Syria : Act 15:23, Act 15:41, Act 21:3; Gal 1:21

Priscilla : Act 18:2

having : Act 21:24; Num 6:5-9, Num 6:18; 1Co 9:20

Cenchrea : Cenchrea, now Kenkri, was the port of Corinth, on the east side of the isthmus, and about nine miles from the city. Rom 16:1

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Act 18:18 - -- And sailed thence into Syria - Or set sail for Syria. His design was to go to Jerusalem to the festival which was soon to occur, Act 18:21. ...

And sailed thence into Syria - Or set sail for Syria. His design was to go to Jerusalem to the festival which was soon to occur, Act 18:21.

Having shorn his head - Many interpreters have supposed that this refers to Aquila, and not to Paul. But the connection evidently requires us to understand it of Paul, though the Greek construction does not with certainty determine to which it refers. The Vulgate refers it to Aquila, the Syriac to Paul.

In Cenchrea - Cenchrea was the eastern port of Corinth. A church was formed in that place, Rom 16:1.

For he had a vow - A "vow"is a solemn promise made to God respecting anything. The use of vows is observable throughout the Scripture. Jacob, going into Mesopotamia, vowed one-tenth of his estate, and promised to offer it at Bethel to the honor of God, Gen 28:22. Moses made many regulations in regard to vows. A man might devote himself or his children to the Lord. He might devote any part of his time or property to his service. The vow they were required sacredly to observe Deu 23:21-22, except in certain specified cases they were permitted to redeem what had been thus devoted. The most remarkable vow among the Jews was that of the Nazarite, by which a man made a solemn promise to God to abstain from wine, and from all intoxicating liquors, to let the hair grow, not to enter any house polluted by having a dead body in it, or to attend any funeral. This vow generally lasted eight days, sometimes a month, sometimes during a definite period fixed by themselves, and sometimes during their whole lives. When the vow expired, the priest made an offering of a he-lamb for a burnt-offering, a she-lamb for an expiatory sacrifice, and a ram for a peace-offering. The priest then, or some other person, shaved the head of the Nazarite at the door of the tabernacle, and burnt the hair on the fire of the altar. Those who made the vow out of Palestine, and who could not come to the temple when the vow was expired, contented themselves with observing the abstinence required by the Law, and cutting off the hair where they were. This I suppose to have been the case with Paul. His hair he cut off at the expiration of the vow at Cenchrea, though he delayed to perfect the vow by the proper ceremonies until he reached Jerusalem, Act 21:23-24. Why Paul made this vow, or on what occasion, the sacred historian has not informed us, and conjecture, perhaps, is useless. We may observe, however:

(1) That if was common for the Jews to make such vows to God, as an expression of gratitude or of devotedness to his service, when they had been raised up from sickness, or delivered from danger or calamity. See Josephus, i. 2, 15. Vows of this nature were also made by the Gentiles on occasions of deliverance from any signal calamity (Juvenal, Sat., 12, 81). It is possible that Paul may have made such a vow in consequence of signal deliverance from some of the numerous perils to which he was exposed. But,

(2) There is reason to think that it was mainly with a design to convince the Jews that he did not despise their law, and was not its enemy. See Act 21:22-24. In accordance with the custom of the nation, and in compliance with a law which was not wrong in itself, he might have made this vow, not for a time-serving purpose, but in order to conciliate them, and to mitigate their anger against the gospel. See 1Co 9:19-21. But where nothing is recorded, conjecture is useless. Those who wish to see the subject discussed may consult Grotius and Kuinoel in loco; Spencer, De Legibus Hebrae., p. 862; and Calmet’ s Dictionary, "Nazarite."

Poole: Act 18:18 - -- A good while a year and a half in all, as some think, which is mentioned Act 18:11 , by a prolepsis; or, besides that year and a half there spoken of...

A good while a year and a half in all, as some think, which is mentioned Act 18:11 , by a prolepsis; or, besides that year and a half there spoken of.

Took his leave of the brethren ordering every thing as if he were to have taken his last farewell of them, as it fell out accordingly: howsoever, holy men live in a constant expectation of their dissolution.

Priscilla and Aquila: that the wife’ s name is here put before the husband’ s, have caused various conjectures; and it is observed, that in St. Paul’ s Epistles, whereas there are three times only mention of them both together, viz. Rom 16:3 1Co 16:19 2Ti 4:19 , the wife’ s name is twice placed first, to show, that in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female, Gal 3:28 .

Cenchrea which was a town at the entering into the haven belonging to Corinth, Rom 16:1 .

For he had a vow to wit, St. Paul had; and therefore had shaven his head, according unto the law, Num 6:18 . To the Jews he became as a Jew.

Haydock: Act 18:18 - -- Shorn, &c. It was customary among the Jews to make vows of abstaining from all inebriating liquor, not to cut their hair for a limited time, &c. Th...

Shorn, &c. It was customary among the Jews to make vows of abstaining from all inebriating liquor, not to cut their hair for a limited time, &c. This was the vow of the Nazarites, mentioned in Numbers vi. 18; Acts xxii. 24. St. Paul had probably taken upon himself some obligation of this kind; perhaps in condescension to the Jews, who were yet weak in faith. The time being now expired, he cut his hair as before. It was lawful for converts to observe these legal ceremonies, till the gospel was perfectly established, provided they did not place their hopes of salvation in them, or believe that the faith and grace of Christ were ineffectual without them. (Denis the Carthusian) ---

For he had a vow, that is, Paul, not Aquila. This seems to have been such a vow, as those called Nazarenes, used to make, of abstaining from wine for a time, of not cutting their hair, and of making some offerings in the temple at Jerusalem. (Witham)

Gill: Act 18:18 - -- And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while,.... A year and a half, as in Act 18:11 for this insurrection might follow immediately upon the vis...

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while,.... A year and a half, as in Act 18:11 for this insurrection might follow immediately upon the vision the apostle had; and who by that was encouraged to continue in this city, notwithstanding the treatment he met with; he not doubting of the promise of God, and of his power and faithfulness to fulfil it, though this was a trial of his faith and constancy:

and then took his leave of the brethren; whom he had been instrumental in the conversion of, and had established and confirmed in the faith; and having now done his work in this place, at least for the time present, he takes his leave of them and departs:

and sailed thence into Syria; or towards Syria, for he took Ephesus by the way, which was in Asia, and stopped there a little while:

and with him Priscilla and Aquila; whom he had met with at Corinth, and with whom he had lodged and wrought at his trade, Act 18:2

Having shorn his head in Cenchrea; which some understand not of Paul, but of Aquila, who is the last person spoken of; and the Ethiopic version reads in the plural number, referring this to both Priscilla and Aquila, "and they had shaved their heads, for they had a vow"; and so it was read in a manuscript of Baronius, and Bede observes, that it was read in like manner in some copies in his time; but the more authentic reading is in the singular number, and is more generally understood of the Apostle Paul; who being about to go into Judea, to the Jew became a Jew, that he might gain some: Cenchrea, where this was done, was a sea port belonging to the Corinthians, on the east of the Isthmus, as Lechea was on the west; according to Pliny x, there were two gulfs, or bays, to the Isthmus, the one he calls the Corinthian bay, and others the Crissean and Alcyonian bay, and Golfo de Petras; the other the Saronic bay, now called Golfo de Engia; Lechea was in the Corinthian bay, and Cenchrea in the Saronic bay; and both belonged to Corinth, and were the bounds of the Straights; the space between them was the Isthmus, which consisted of about five miles; and so Pausanias says y, the Isthmus of the Corinthians is washed on both sides by the sea; on one side at Cenchrea, and on the other at Lechea, and this makes the island a continent; and likewise Philo z giving an account of a voyage of Flaccus says, that passing over the Ionian gulf, he came to the sea (or shore) of Corinth ------- and going over the Isthmus from Lechea, to the opposite sea, he came down to Cenchrea, a seaport of the Corinthians; of which Apuleius a gives this account:

"this town is a most noble colony of the Corinthians, it is washed by the Aegean and Saronic sea, where there is a port, a most safe receptacle for ships, and very populous.''

Hither the apostle came from Corinth to take shipping, and from hence he sailed to Syria, as before observed: it has its name either from millet, for "Cenchros" signifies "millet"; and "Cenchrias" is "bread made of millet"; or from the bird "Cenchris", which is a kind of hawk; See Gill on Rom 16:1.

For he had a vow; this, some think, could not be the vow of the Nazarites, for then he should have stayed till he came to Jerusalem, and have shaved his head at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and cast the hair into the fire, under the pot in which the peace offerings were boiled b; though he that vowed in the country, was not obliged to this: others think it was such an one as the Jews in travelling used, that they would not shave till they came to such a place; and so the apostle had made a vow that he would shave at Cenchrea; and accordingly did; but this is not likely, that the apostle should make a vow upon so light an occasion: others that it refers to his going to Jerusalem, to keep the feast there, Act 18:21 and so these think the words are a reason, not of his shaving of his head, but of his sailing to Syria; the first is most probable, that it was a Nazarite's vow; see Act 21:24.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Act 18:18 He had made a vow. It is debated whether this vow is a private vow of thanksgiving or the Nazirite vow, because it is not clear whether the Nazirite v...

Geneva Bible: Act 18:18 ( 6 ) 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 Pris...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Act 18:1-28 - --1 Paul labours with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.9 The Lord encourages him in a vision.12 He is accused before Gallio the deputy...

Combined Bible: Act 18:18 - --This incident occurred some time previous to the close of the eighteen months of Paul's stay in Corinth, as we learn from the next verse. (18) " Now P...

MHCC: Act 18:18-23 - --While Paul found he laboured not in vain, he continued labouring. Our times are in God's hand; we purpose, but he disposes; therefore we must make all...

Matthew Henry: Act 18:18-23 - -- We have here Paul in motion, as we have had him at Corinth for some time at rest, but in both busy, very busy, in the service of Christ; if he sat s...

Barclay: Act 18:18-23 - --Paul was on the way home. His route was by Cenchrea, the port of Corinth, and thence to Ephesus. Then he went to Caesarea; from there he went up ...

Constable: Act 9:32--Rom 1:1 - --III. THE WITNESS TO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH 9:32--28:31 Luke next recorded the church's expansion beyond...

Constable: Act 16:6--19:21 - --C. The extension of the church to the Aegean shores 16:6-19:20 The missionary outreach narrated in this ...

Constable: Act 17:16--18:18 - --3. The ministry in Achaia 17:16-18:17 Luke recorded this section to document the advance of the ...

Constable: Act 18:18-22 - --4. The beginning of ministry in Asia 18:18-22 Paul had attempted to reach the province of Asia earlier (16:6). Now the Lord permitted him to go there ...

College: Act 18:1-28 - --ACTS 18 13. The Visit at Corinth (18:1-17) Paul's Arrival and Ministry with Aquila and Priscilla (18:1-4) 1 After this, Paul left Athens and went ...

McGarvey: Act 18:18 - --18. This incident occurred some time previous to the close of the eighteen months of Paul's stay in Corinth, as we learn from the next verse. (18) " N...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES By Way of Introduction But for the Acts we should know nothing of the early apostolic period save what is told in the Epi...

JFB: Acts (Book Introduction) THIS book is to the Gospels what the fruit is to the tree that bears it. In the Gospels we see the corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying: in...

JFB: Acts (Outline) INTRODUCTION--LAST DAYS OF OUR LORD UPON EARTH--HIS ASCENSION. (Act 1:1-11) RETURN OF THE ELEVEN TO JERUSALEM--PROCEEDINGS IN THE UPPER ROOM TILL PEN...

TSK: Acts (Book Introduction) The Acts of the Apostles is a most valuable portion of Divine revelation; and, independently of its universal reception in the Christian church, as an...

TSK: Acts 18 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Act 18:1, Paul labours with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles; Act 18:9, The Lord encourages him in a vision; Act 18:12,...

Poole: Acts 18 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 18

MHCC: Acts (Book Introduction) This book unites the Gospels to the Epistles. It contains many particulars concerning the apostles Peter and Paul, and of the Christian church from th...

MHCC: Acts 18 (Chapter Introduction) (Act 18:1-6) Paul at Corinth, with Aquila and Priscilla. (Act 18:7-11) He continues to preach at Corinth. (Act 18:12-17) Paul before Gallio. (Act 1...

Matthew Henry: Acts (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Acts of the Apostles We have with an abundant satisfaction seen the foundation of our holy religion...

Matthew Henry: Acts 18 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter we have, I. Paul's coming to Corinth, his private converse with Aquila and Priscilla, and his public reasonings with the Jews, fro...

Barclay: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES A Precious Book In one sense Acts is the most important book in the New Testament. It is the simple truth t...

Barclay: Acts 18 (Chapter Introduction) Preaching In Corinth (Act_18:1-11) In The Worst Of Cities (Act_18:1-11 Continued) Impartial Roman Justice (Act_18:12-17) The Return To Antioch (...

Constable: Acts (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title "Acts of the Apostles" is very ancient. The Anti-Marcioni...

Constable: Acts (Outline) Outline I. The witness in Jerusalem 1:1-6:7 A. The founding of the church 1:1-2:46 ...

Constable: Acts Acts Bibliography Albright, William Foxwell. The Archaeology of Palestine. 1949. Revised ed. Pelican Archaeolog...

Haydock: Acts (Book Introduction) THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. INTRODUCTION. St. Luke, who had published his gospel, wrote also a second volume, which, from the first ages, hath bee...

Gill: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ACTS This book, in some copies, is called, "The Acts of the holy Apostles". It contains an history of the ministry and miracles of ...

College: Acts (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION As early as the second century the title "The Acts of the Apostles" was given to this document. Before that time the work probably circu...

College: Acts (Outline) OUTLINE I. THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM - 1:1-8:1a A. INTRODUCTION OF THE BOOK - 1:1-3 B. THE COMMISSIONING OF THE APOSTLES - 1:4-8 C. THE ASCENSI...

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