Sometimes when I think about Paul, I think about my Grandpa Lenti. He was a short, feisty Greek-Italian who emigrated to America from the island of Korfu at the age of 14 or 15. He had a hawk-like nose (Pam called it a Roman nose) that he would thrust forward if he was arguing with you. Maybe Paul was like that.
We see a number of threads of the spread of the gospel in this chapter, with new individuals identified. Apollos is interesting. Though a Jew, he couldn’t have had a more gentile name, being named after the Greek god. From Alexandria, in Egypt, a place known for its library as a center of knowledge, and well-spoken. He seems to have been a well-accepted teacher in Corinth (in Achaia).
Priscilla and Aquila also play a prominent role in this chapter. They show up in several cities during the course of Paul’s ministry after accompanying Paul for a time. They ended up, eventually, in Rome, and Paul reminds the Romans they risked their lives for him. I find it instructive that they are always identified together, a husband-and-wife team.
I also note that Paul’s third missionary journey begins at the end of the chapter, subtly enough described that one could almost miss it.
As always, love to hear your thoughts about this chapter in the comments.
