Text: Acts 18:1-28
Apostle Paul has gone to the city of Corinth, a major commercial city of the Roman empire, which is full of idolatry and immorality. He locates a congregation of Jews and speaks to them about Jesus being the Christ.
Some believe, along with some gentiles; but others reject the gospel. We are not told what Paul was feeling, but Jesus spoke to him in a vision and said: “Do not be afraid.” So, Paul must have been afraid that he would receive serious trouble from the Jews or even from other citizens (1 Cor.2:3). After all, he had been beaten for preaching, and even stoned in Lystra, leaving him for the dead (Acts 14:19). Scripture does promise that Christians will face persecution (2 Tim.3:12).
Part of God’s plan for His saved people is sanctification. This is the process by which He removes, from our hearts, the love we have for the world and makes us to be more like Christ. Persecution and other distresses are tools God uses to make that happen. This does not mean your suffering is inconsequential. Your suffering is genuine, and the Lord Jesus knows about it. He also suffered and endured pain. Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid, are still true. Many times in your life there will be fear and suffering. The Lord will not appear to you in a vision; but He will speak comfort to you through His word, the Bible. When you are anxious because of distress, please spend time with the Lord in prayer, reading His word, and meditation on His promises and His power. You cannot be comforted and strengthened if you do not go to Him.
Meditate on verse 9, How are you going to apply it to your life?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, give me the boldness to share Your Word. Amen.