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Book of Acts - Chapter 18 - Verse 18

18:18
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.

Meaning

After spending a significant amount of time in Corinth, Paul decided to say goodbye to the believers and continue his journey. He sailed to Syria with Priscilla and Aquila, fellow laborers in spreading the gospel. The act of shaving his head in Cenchrea was likely in fulfillment of a vow he had made to God. In Jewish tradition, shaving one's head was a way to show dedication and commitment to fulfilling a vow. This act by Paul demonstrates his devoutness and obedience to his faith. It also symbolizes his desire to honor God through his actions. By including this detail in his journey, the verse highlights the importance of keeping promises and remaining faithful to one's commitments. This moment serves as a reminder that in our own lives, we should strive to uphold our vows and promises to God and others, just as Paul did in this instance.

Theological Overview

Paul's actions in Acts 18:18 are rich with theological significance. By taking a vow and shaving his head, Paul is participating in a Jewish custom that symbolizes commitment and dedication to God. This act shows Paul's willingness to adhere to Jewish practices in order to maintain unity with his fellow Jewish believers. It also highlights the importance of keeping one's promises and fulfilling obligations in the Christian life. Furthermore, the mention of Priscilla and Aquila accompanying Paul emphasizes the importance of friendship and partnership in ministry. Together, they demonstrate the value of working alongside others in spreading the Gospel and supporting fellow believers. This passage serves as a reminder of the significance of personal devotion to God, the importance of honoring commitments, and the power of community in the Christian faith.

American Standard Version

And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreae; for he had a vow.
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