Pricilla And Aquilla; Acts 18:18 – 21

Church History: Date: A.D. 49-52

Pricilla And Aquilla; Acts 18:18 – 21
18Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. 19They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.

It is after the arraignment before Gallio, and previous to his departure from Corinth, that we best locate the date of the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. That it was written in Corinth is determined chiefly by a comparison of its contents with those of the First Epistle. The congregation was still suffering from the same persecution mentioned in the First Epistle (compare 2Thessalonians 3:9 with 1Thessaloins 2:14-16; 3:1-4), and there was still among them some improper excitement in reference to the second coming of the Lord (compare 2Thessalonians 3:1-3 with 1Thessalonians 4:13; 5:3). Both these circumstances indicate that it was written shortly after the first; as soon, perhaps, as Paul could hear from them after their reception of the first. That it was after the arraignment before Gallio, is sufficiently evident, I think, from the absence of those indications of distress in the mind of the writer, which abound in the First Epistle. He did not enjoy this comparative peace of mind until after the persecutions of the Jews culminated and terminated in the scene before Gallio's judgment-seat.8
He came to Ephesus - Where it appears he spent but one Sabbath. It is supposed that Paul left Aquila and Priscilla at this place, and that he went on alone to Jerusalem; for it is certain they were at Ephesus when Apollos arrived there. See Acts 18:24, Acts 18:26.1
Paul declined an invitation to stay longer. “I must keep this feast” was the reason he gave for his early departure. Most likely the Passover, at which he wished to attend for the purpose of seeing many of his friends, and having the most favorable opportunity to preach the Gospel to thousands who would attend at Jerusalem on that occasion. I will return again unto you, if God will. And this he did before the expiration of that same year, (Acts 19:1), and spent three years with them, (Acts 20:31), extending and establishing the Church at that place.