After leaving Athens, Paul went to Corinth (Acts 18:1). While in the city, Paul stayed with Aquila and his wife Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3). Paul "reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks" (Acts 18:4 NKJV). When Silas and Timothy had arrived from Macedonia, Paul "testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 18:5). Rather than being persuaded, "they opposed him and blasphemed" (Acts 18:6). Paul had fulfilled his responsibility to preach Christ to the Jews there and so turned to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6).
Paul departed from the synagogue and entered the house of a man named Justus whose house was next door to the synagogue (Acts 18:7). From the house of Justus, Paul preached Christ. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, was one of the Corinthians whom Paul persuaded (c.f. Acts 18:4). Luke wrote that Crispus "believed on the Lord with all his household" (Acts 18:8). Does this mean that he was saved by faith only? No! In fact, Crispus was one of the few people in Corinth that Paul personally baptized (1 Cor. 1:14).
This wonderful story of conversions is not limited to Crispus and his household. Luke recorded: "And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized" (Acts 16:8). From the words of Christ, it is also implied that they repented of their sins (Luke 13:3) and confessed Christ (Matt. 10:32-33).
The Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision. He encouraged Paul, saying, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city" (Acts 18:9-10). Fear is often a hindrance to preaching the gospel. Being afraid is a natural response to persecution. Unfortunately, the one persecuted may keep silent rather than speak because of fear. However, the Lord encouraged Paul to continue preaching the gospel by reassuring him of His abiding presence. The Lord also reassured Paul of the great opportunity for people to obey the gospel. With renewed courage, Paul continued in Corinth for a year and six months, "teaching the word of God among them" (Acts 18:11).
How many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized? While we do not know the exact number, we do know that Gaius and the household of Stephanas were among those who were personally baptized by Paul (c.f. 1 Cor. 1:14-16). Will you become a Christian today?2