Acts 18:7

“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.”

Context:Acts 18 records the Apostle Paul’s missionary journey to the city of Corinth. During his stay in Corinth, Paul met with both Jews and Gentiles, preaching the Gospel and establishing a Christian community. In verse 7, we see Paul leaving a specific location and entering the house of a man named Justus, who was a worshipper of God.

The Departure:The verse begins with “And he departed thence.” This indicates that Paul left a particular place or situation. Prior to this, Paul had been reasoning and testifying to the Jews in the synagogue (Acts 18:4). However, due to the opposition and resistance he faced from some Jews, Paul decided to move on from there.

Justus:Paul entered the house of a man named Justus. Not much is known about Justus other than the fact that he was a worshipper of God. It is worth noting that he is mentioned as a separate individual from Crispus, the leader of the synagogue who became a believer in Christ (Acts 18:8). Justus is described as someone who welcomed Paul into his home and provided a place for the apostle to continue his ministry.

Proximity to the Synagogue:The verse also mentions that Justus’ house joined hard to the synagogue. This indicates that Justus’ house was located close to the synagogue. The proximity of the house to the synagogue was likely advantageous for Paul’s ministry as it allowed him to interact with both Jews and Gentiles, making it convenient for those interested in hearing his message to gather at Justus’ house.

Implications:This verse highlights Paul’s adaptability and resourcefulness in his mission to spread the Gospel. When faced with opposition in the synagogue, he did not give up but found another location nearby to continue his work. It also emphasises the importance of hospitality and the role it played in the early Christian community. Justus’ willingness to open his home to Paul and his companions allowed for the growth of the Christian faith in Corinth.

Overall, Acts 18:7 demonstrates Paul’s determination to share the message of Christ despite opposition and the significance of believers providing support and hospitality for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.