After Paul left Corinth he took with him Priscilla and Aquila and made his way to the city of Ephesus, the capital of Asia. From there he traveled back to Antioch, after first visiting Jerusalem, where he commenced his third missionary journey. However, Luke focuses on the continual ministry in Ephesus, highlighting the importance of teamwork for the missionary proclamation of the gospel and the establishment of local churches. Luke teaches us that the goal of maturing and growing Christ’s church is reached through the collective ministry of many workers. This is seen through three portraits:
- Paul: Submissive to God’s will (vv. 18-23)
- Apollos: Teachable in spirit (vv. 24-26)
- Priscila and Aquila: Discerning disciple makers (vv. 26-28)