NOTES for Act 18:1-23
The word “missionary” has now acquired an ambiguous connotation. It is associated either with treacherous European Christians who helped to colonize and enslave less developed peoples, although many of them truly served God rather than human interests, or with intrusive street campaigners inviting you into yet another sect, although street preaching in itself is no worse than other methods. Today’s passage gives us a glimpse into the spiritual experience of a true missionary and servant of the Gospel, the apostle Paul. He is not an enthusiast, and his preaching is not an amateur undertaking. He is moved to serve by the Spirit whom he received through faith in Christ, and this service is an inner necessity for him. “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor 9:16), he says. Most importantly, his ministry is not founded on his own desire or strength. Paul acts and lives by the presence of Christ, who strengthens him, invisibly or visibly.