And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

ACTS 18:11KJV
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Acts 18:11 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:11 mean?

Acts 18:11 describes how Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the message of God to the people there. This verse highlights a significant period of stability and focused instruction during Paul’s missionary work.

Paul, the main speaker in Acts, is in the city of Corinth at this point in the story. After facing challenges and opposition in other places, Paul finds an opportunity to remain in Corinth for an extended time. The verse emphasizes that his main activity was teaching "the word of God," meaning he was sharing and explaining the message about Jesus and God’s purposes to the people living in that city.

The Greek behind Acts 18:11

  • The word "continued" (ἐκάθισεν, ekathisen) is often understood as "sat down" or "remained," but here it carries the sense of settling in and staying put for a significant period, not just passing through.
  • "Teaching" (διδάσκων, didaskōn) is a word that means more than just speaking; it suggests ongoing instruction, helping people understand and grow in knowledge, not just a one-time message.
  • "Word" (λόγος, logos) in this context refers to the message or teaching about God, not just any words or conversation. It points to the core content of what Paul was sharing.

Why Acts 18:11 matters

  • This verse shows that Paul’s work in Corinth was not rushed or superficial; he invested significant time, which suggests the church there had a strong foundation.
  • The emphasis on teaching reveals that early Christian communities valued understanding and learning, not just quick conversions or emotional experiences.
  • Acts 18:11 connects to the wider story by marking a rare season of peace and productivity for Paul, contrasting with the frequent opposition he faced elsewhere.

Where else these words appear

“six” Greek G1803 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
  • Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

“year” Greek G1763 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
  • Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

“months” Greek G3376 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

“continued” Greek G2523 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.