Overcoming Fear: God’s Assurance to Paul in Corinth

Happy Wednesday! It is so good to have you here to study today's lesson, which is titled "Many in This City" 📖. We are focusing on how God encouraged the Apostle Paul during a very difficult and discouraging time in his ministry in Corinth.

Overcoming Fear Through Divine Assurance

When Paul arrived in Corinth, he was coming off a challenging experience in Athens and was facing intense hostility from those who opposed his message Acts 18:6AA 249.1. He later described his state of mind as being with the believers "in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" 1 Corinthians 2:3AA 249.1. Despite his great intellectual power, Paul felt the heavy weight of the wickedness and depravity in that cityAA 249.1+1.

Just as he was contemplating leaving for a more promising field, the Lord intervened to give him courage Acts 18:9LP 107.1. Through a vision of the night, Jesus told him, "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace" Acts 18:9AA 249.1. This command was a direct antidote to the discouragement Paul was feeling, assuring him that he was not alone8Red 63.1+1.

The Promise of Success and Protection

The Lord gave Paul a specific guarantee to sustain him through the opposition:

• Divine Presence: The Lord promised, "I am with thee" Acts 18:10AA 249.1.

• Divine Protection: He was told, "no man shall set on thee to hurt thee" Acts 18:10AA 249.1.

• Divine Purpose: Jesus declared, "I have much people in this city" Acts 18:10LP 107.1.

This promise echoes the beautiful assurance found in the Old Testament that God will strengthen, help, and uphold His servants with His righteous right hand Isaiah 41:10Ed 115.4. Paul understood this vision as a command to remain in Corinth and a guarantee that the Lord would give increase to the seed he was sowingAA 249.1+1. Strengthened by this word, he stayed for a year and six months, establishing a large church Acts 18:11AA 249.1.

Fruitfulness Amidst Opposition

Even before the vision, Paul’s work had begun to bear significant fruit in the synagogueLP 107.1. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with his entire household Acts 18:8AA 249.1. This conversion especially exasperated the stubborn opposers, yet it served as a testimony that God’s word does not return void Isaiah 55:11TT 133.2+1. Many other Corinthians heard the message, believed, and were baptized, showing that the grace of God can reach even those in the most dissipated circumstances Acts 18:8AA 249.1+1.

Discussion Questions for Study

To help you go deeper into today’s lesson, here are a few things to consider:

1. Personal Application: Have you ever felt "weakness and fear" while trying to share your faith? How does God’s promise in Acts 18:10 give you courage to continue today Isaiah 41:10LP 107.1?

2. God's Hidden People: What does it mean for us today that God says He has "much people" in our cities? How should this change the way we look at our neighbors and communities Acts 18:10AA 249.1?

3. Trusting the Word: Paul relied on the power of the Spirit rather than human wisdom to reach the Corinthians. How can we ensure that our testimony reflects the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" rather than just our own cleverness 1 Corinthians 2:4AA 244.1?

God is with you today just as He was with Paul! 🙏😇 Which part of today’s study stands out most to you?