Acts 18:18

And Paul after this taried there yet a good while, and then tooke his leaue of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: hauing shorne his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. Acts 18:18 (KJV)

And Paul

after this tarried

there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn

his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. Acts 18:18 (KJV)

Acts 18:18 concludes a segment of Paul’s second missionary journey. Earlier in the chapter Paul arrives in Corinth and takes up residence with Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple who work as tentmakers. While in Corinth he teaches, preaches, and helps to establish a growing Christian community. The verse records that he “tarried there yet a good while,” a phrase that aligns with Acts 18:11, which notes an eighteen‑month stay. During this period Paul confronts opposition from some of the Jewish leaders, yet many hear the gospel and come to faith.

When his work in Corinth is completed, Paul “took his leave of the brethren.” This farewell indicates that he had fulfilled his immediate mission among the believers there and was ready to move on to the next phase of his ministry. He departs accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla, sailing from Corinth toward Syria. Although Acts 18:19 records his intention to go directly to Ephesus, the wording of verse 18 shows that his first destination was Syria, a region he had visited on his earlier journey (see Acts 15:41). The journey to Syria therefore reflects both continuity with his past ministry and preparation for the subsequent work in Ephesus.

The verse also notes that Paul had “shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.” The specific nature of the vow is not explained, but the act of shaving the head was a customary sign of the completion of a Nazirite‑type vow or other personal religious commitment. Paul’s observance of the vow demonstrates his personal devotion to God and his willingness to fulfill promises, even when they involve outward symbols.

Overall, Acts 18:18 offers a concise snapshot of Paul’s missionary rhythm: a period of intensive ministry, a deliberate departure with trusted companions, and a visible expression of personal piety. The passage reminds readers that effective evangelism is coupled with faithful obedience to one’s vows and a readiness to follow God’s leading into new regions for the spread of the gospel.