Acts 18:10 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth
For I am with you
This phrase is a divine assurance of God's presence, echoing promises found throughout Scripture, such as in Genesis 28:15, Exodus 3:12, and Matthew 28:20. It emphasizes God's continual presence with His people, providing comfort and courage. In the context of Acts 18, Paul is in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and idolatry, and this assurance would have been crucial for his mission. The presence of God is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with protection, guidance, and empowerment.
and no one will lay a hand on you
This promise of protection is significant given the opposition Paul faced in his ministry. In Corinth, Paul encountered resistance from both Jews and Gentiles. The phrase suggests divine intervention to prevent harm, similar to God's protection of His prophets in the Old Testament, such as Elijah and Jeremiah. It reassures Paul that his mission will not be thwarted by human opposition, aligning with the biblical theme that God's purposes cannot be hindered by man (Isaiah 54:17).
because I have many people in this city.
This statement reveals God's sovereign knowledge and plan, indicating that there are individuals in Corinth who are destined to become believers. It highlights the concept of God's elect, as seen in passages like John 10:16 and Romans 8:29-30. The phrase also underscores the importance of evangelism and the spread of the Gospel, as Paul is encouraged to continue his work knowing that God has prepared hearts to receive the message. Corinth, a major trade city, was strategically significant for the spread of Christianity, and this assurance would have motivated Paul to persevere in his mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is the central figure in this passage. He is on his second missionary journey, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.
2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece where Paul is currently ministering. Known for its commerce and immorality, it was a challenging environment for early Christians.
3. The Lord
God speaks to Paul in a vision, providing reassurance and encouragement for his mission in Corinth.
4. The People of Corinth
Referred to by God as "many people in this city," indicating those who would come to faith and support Paul’s ministry.
5. The Vision
A divine encounter where God speaks directly to Paul, offering him protection and assurance of His presence.
Teaching Points
God’s Presence in Ministry
Just as God assured Paul of His presence, believers today can trust that God is with them in their ministry efforts, regardless of the challenges they face.
Divine Protection
God’s promise that "no one will lay a hand on you" reminds us that God’s protection is over His servants, allowing them to fulfill their calling without fear.
The Harvest is Plentiful
The mention of "many people in this city" highlights the potential for a great harvest of souls. Believers should be encouraged that God has prepared hearts to receive the Gospel.
Courage in Adversity
Paul’s experience in Corinth teaches us to remain steadfast and courageous, knowing that God’s plans will prevail even in difficult environments.
The Importance of Obedience
Paul’s continued ministry in Corinth, despite opposition, underscores the importance of obedience to God’s call, trusting in His promises.
(10) For I am with thee.--The command was followed by a promise which met the special trial of the time. Men might be against him, but Christ was with him. The general promise given to the Church at large, "Lo! I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20), received a personal application, "I am with thee;" and though called to a life of suffering, there was for the time an assurance that the wrath of men should be restrained, and that his work should not be hindered.
I have much people in this city.--The words remind us once more of those which Elijah had heard at a moment of like weakness, "Yet have I left me seven thousand men in Israel" (1Kings 19:18). Even in the sinful streets of Corinth, among those plunged deepest into its sin (1Corinthians 5:10-11), there were souls yearning for deliverance, in whom conscience was not dead, and was waiting only for the call to repentance.
Verse 10. - Harm for hurt, A.V. I have much people, etc. We may infer from this intimation from him who "knoweth them that are his," which led to St. Paul staying on at Corinth upwards of a year and six months (ver. 11), that the shortness of his stay at Athens was because the Lord had not much people there. For the encouraging promise of protection in the midst of danger given to St. Paul by Christ in this vision, comp. Jeremiah 1:17-19. Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
For
διότι (dioti)
Conjunction
Strong's 1360: On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.
I
ἐγώ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.
you
σοῦ (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.
no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.
will lay a hand on
ἐπιθήσεταί (epithēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.
you,
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
because
διότι (dioti)
Conjunction
Strong's 1360: On this account, because, for. From dia and hoti; on the very account that, or inasmuch as.
I have
ἐστί (esti)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
many
πολὺς (polys)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.
people
λαός (laos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.
in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
this
ταύτῃ (tautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.
city.”
πόλει (polei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.
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