Acts 18:8

Crispus, the chief ruler. Or, “Crispus, the ruler.” The word “ruler” includes the idea “chief.” This Crispus is alluded to in 1 Cor. 1:14 as one of the few whom Paul himself baptized. His leading position among the Jews, previous to his conversion, and the acceptance of the gospel by his entire family, made him noticeable among the Christians. Believed, and were baptized. The Greek form of the two verbs suggests a process continuing for an unspecified period of time. Among the converts was Gaius (1 Cor. 1:14), perhaps a man of higher social position than others, who was noted among Christians for his hospitality, and who received Paul as a guest on his second visit (Rom. 16:23). The members of the household of Stephanas, the “firstfruits of Achaia,” were apparently among the earliest converts there (1 Cor. 16:15). These Paul himself baptized (1 Cor. 1:16). Also the following may be counted as converts then or soon afterward: Fortunatus and Achaicus (1 Cor. 16:17); Chloe, a prominent woman convert (1 Cor. 1:11); Quartus, a brother, and Erastus, the chamberlain of the city (Rom. 16:23); and Epaenetus, also among the “firstfruits of Achaia” (Rom. 16:5). Silas and Timothy were with Paul at this time, and doubtless they baptized most of the converts (see 1 Cor. 1:14-16).