And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

ACTS 18:7KJV
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Acts 18:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:7 mean?

Acts 18:7 describes how Paul left the synagogue and went to stay at the house of a man named Justus, who worshipped God, and whose house was located right next to the synagogue. This move allowed Paul to continue his ministry close by, even after leaving the synagogue itself.

In this part of Acts, Paul is in Corinth, speaking first to the Jews in the synagogue. After facing opposition, he chooses to leave the synagogue but does not go far—he moves next door to the house of Justus, a Gentile who honors God. This detail shows Paul’s determination to keep reaching people in Corinth, staying as close as possible to those still meeting in the synagogue.

The Greek behind Acts 18:7

  • The word for "worshipped" is σεβομένῳ (sebomenō), which often refers to Gentiles who respected the God of Israel and attended synagogue worship, even if they were not full converts. This highlights that Justus was likely a Gentile who was already sympathetic to Jewish beliefs.
  • The phrase "joined hard" comes from the Greek word συνομοροῦσα (synomorousa), which means "adjoining" or "right next to." This emphasizes how physically close Justus’s house was to the synagogue, making it easy for Paul to remain near the Jewish community.

Why Acts 18:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul did not abandon the Jewish community entirely; by moving next door, he kept himself accessible to both Jews and Gentiles interested in his message.
  • The mention of Justus as a "worshipper of God" shows the early Christian movement’s appeal to Gentiles who were already drawn to Jewish worship and ethics.
  • The physical closeness of Justus’s house to the synagogue underlines the tension and overlap between the emerging Christian community and the existing Jewish congregation in Corinth.

Where else these words appear

“Justus” Greek G2459 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
  • Colossians 4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

“worshipped” Greek G4576 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • Acts 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
  • Acts 17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

“departed” Greek G3327 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
  • Matthew 15:29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
  • John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

“thence” Greek G1564 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
  • Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.