18:1
We are not given any further details on how events progressed in Athens, and Paul now leaves for Corinth. Corinth was the Roman capital of Achaia and was 53 miles west of Athens. Corinth was a major gateway for trade between Rome and Asia and so was very wealthy. Corinth was a very Roman city, with Latin being the language of business.
18:2
Paul continued his practice of going to the Jews first, though there is a notable change later. Earlier Claudius had expelled the Jews from Rome, probably in AD49. The reason for the expulsion was a debate among the Jews over “Chrestus”, this is thought to have been a debate over whether Jesus was the Christ. Given that it led to their expulsion it must have been a lively debate! Not all the Jews would have left, some having been Roman citizens. Paul found Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who get mentioned several times in the New Testament.
18:3,4
There was also a natural connection between Paul and Aquila, for both were tentmakers. The term “tentmaker” could refer to someone who makes tents, or refer more generally to someone who is a leather worker. Paul worked with them, literally. So we see that Paul did earn his living at times as he travelled around. Paul reasoned in the synagogues on the Sabbath, seeking to persuade the Jews and Greeks.
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