Paul in Corinth – what a vision!

Acts 18:1-11

1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.

4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”

7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

“I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling” – 1 Cor 2 v3.

Paul is continuing his second missionary journey. Things aren’t getting any easier as he again comes into conflict with the local Jews. How sad it must have been for Paul to be rejected by his own people once again.

Our faithful God did not let him sink into depression, to be overwhelmed by “distress and persecution.” At the right time God came to him in a vision with a word of encouragement. Don’t give up! You aren’t doing this alone!

And it was not just encouraging words – God also provided others to encourage Paul, the means of his own financial support, as well as many results of his message as people were saved and baptised. Wow!

I’m sure through seeing God’s faithfulness, Paul was able to say “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Cor 2 v 2) God is faithful. This doesn’t equal me having an easy time of things, but it does mean he will be with me through every situation. His love is never used up, his blessings never fail.

Dear heavenly Father, I see how you worked in Paul’s life when he must have felt like giving up. You brought him everything he needed at that time. Make me that person who brings encouragement and support when others around me are feeling the pressure of life and ministry. Do a powerful work of the Spirit through me.

Amen.

Written by Claire Moore

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