Claudius's expulsion and a meeting in Corinth
About this date: 49 is a conventional approximate placement. Neither Acts 18:2 nor Suetonius's brief notice supplies that year; both locate the action under Claudius.
Acts explains Aquila and Priscilla's presence in Corinth through an order of Claudius requiring Jews to leave Rome. Suetonius also records an expulsion, while describing disturbances associated with a name rendered Chrestus.
Historical context
An imperial action becomes part of the geography of Paul's mission: displaced people and their trades connect the communities of Rome and Corinth.
Key points
- Acts identifies Aquila as recently arrived from Italy with Priscilla.
- Paul's shared trade provides the setting for their association in Corinth.
- Suetonius's Chrestus reference is often connected with disputes about Christ, but the wording itself is ambiguous.
People
- Claudius
- Aquila
- Priscilla
- Paul
Scripture
- Acts 18:1–4 — Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla at Corinth after their departure from Italy.
Sources and further reading
- Acts: Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth
The direct connection between the expulsion notice and Paul's coworkers. - Life of Claudius: expulsion from Rome
The wording about Chrestus requires interpretation.