As I prepared to teach about Paul’s trip to Corinth on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11), I saw something I had never seen before–Paul didn’t reach Corinth by himself. In fact, I came to the conclusion that Paul could not have done this by himself. He needed a number of people and churches to take the gospel to Corinth.

I also noticed how successful the mission to Corinth was. Notice the way Luke described the success of Paul and others as they went to Corinth. As far as we know, there were no Christians in Corinth when Paul arrived. After eighteen months of ministry, Paul and all those who blessed and helped him in the mission could point to a growing church that had reached a significant number of people. Anyone who reads Paul’s Corinthian correspondence knows that this church needed Godly leadership and mature believers for it to function, but the church itself had grown and touched the city.

How did this happen? It happened by a group of people who worked together to see the gospel come to this great city–it was described as the business and commercial center of Greece.

Who were these people?

First, Aquila and Priscilla, a husband and wife team who were tentmakers like Paul. They were Jews from Rome who had believed in Christ. They encouraged Paul and certainly prayed for Him and helped Him. From this point on Paul depended on this couple to help take the gospel to the Mediterranean world.

Second, Timothy and Silas, part of the missionary team of the Second Missionary Journey. These were trusted men who Paul had dispatched to other areas with tasks to be completed. When they met up with Paul in Corinth the work increased.

Third, the faithful people of Macedonia. Philippi was one of the major cities of this Roman province. Though Paul does not mention their offering in Acts 18, he does mention it in other places. Luke tells us that after Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia Paul was freed up to preach daily about Christ instead of only being able to do so on the Sabbath.

Fourth, courageous people from among the Corinthian people. These included Titus Justus who opened his home to Paul to serve as the missionary center and possibly the church meeting place as well.

Also, Crispus, the leader of the Synagogue who trusted Christ. This man’s faith probably opened a huge door for the gospel.

The result of all this was “many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).

Paul stayed in Corinth a year and a half teaching them the Word of God.

When you and I join together, we can form a formidable team to take the gospel to our neighbors.

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