18:8 Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue. Though the synagogue opposed, its president became a Christian with all his family. Paul baptized him with his own hands (1Co 1:14).
Many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. This describes the gospel process of conversion. The word is preached, faith comes by hearing (Ro 10:17), confession (Ro 10:10) and baptism (Ro 6:3,4) follow. This is the invariable order in the New Testament.
18:8 And many hearing - The conversation of Crispus, and the preaching of Paul.
18:7-11 The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in wicked Corinth Christ had much people. He will gather in his chosen flock from the places where they are scattered Thus encouraged, the apostle continued at Corinth, and a numerous and flourishing church grew up.
