“For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”– Acts 18:10 (KJV)
“For I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”– Acts 18:10 (NLT)
“I am with you, and no one is going to harm you, because I have many people in this city.”– Acts 18:10 (MSG)
What Does Acts 18:10 Mean?
The verse Acts 18:10 is a powerful declaration from God to the Apostle Paul during a time of uncertainty. In this message, God reassures Paul of His presence, protection, and the significance of his mission in Corinth. Paul had begun his ministry in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and idolatry. As he preached the Gospel, he faced considerable opposition and challenges, which led to fear and doubt concerning his safety and effectiveness in ministry.
When God says, “I am with thee,” it conveys His unwavering support. This statement assures us that we are never alone in our struggles and challenges. God’s presence is a formidable strength, providing comfort and encouragement. The phrase “no man shall set on thee to hurt thee” reinforces the notion of divine protection. God promises Paul that he will be shielded from physical harm, emphasizing His role as a guardian during Paul’s evangelistic efforts.
Additionally, “I have much people in this city” indicates that God has a plan for the people of Corinth. They may not yet know Him, but God has prepared hearts ready to receive the Gospel. This part reveals that even in the midst of darkness, God is at work, drawing people to Him and positioning them for salvation. It serves as a reminder that often, we may labor in challenging circumstances, but we can trust that God is orchestrating His will and gathering His people.
Acts 18:10 Explanation and Commentary
Understanding Acts 18:10 requires us to explore the context in which it was spoken. This verse falls within a significant period in Paul’s missionary journey. He had arrived in Corinth after leaving Thessalonica and Berea, where he faced fierce opposition. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city, a hub of trade and culture, but also a place filled with corruption and immorality. Paul must have felt overwhelmed as he entered this challenging environment.
In Corinth, Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, who would later become his companions in ministry. Together, they established a church, but the road was not easy. In appealing to the Jewish community first, Paul encountered resistance and hostility. Feeling discouraged, he was at a crossroads, wondering if he should continue his mission. It is in this moment of vulnerability that God spoke to him.
God’s words remind us that in our most difficult times, we can find strength in His presence. We experience this reassurance as we read the scripture and engage with God through prayer. The promise that God is with us can transform our fears into courage. In our daily lives, when faced with uncertainties, we, too, can rest in the knowledge that God is walking beside us. Like Paul, we might feel alone at times, but God’s presence is our constant companion.
Furthermore, the statement, “I have much people in this city,” highlights God’s abundant mercy and love. He sees individuals, even those who may seem unresponsive to the Gospel. This encourages us to continue sharing our faith, trusting that God has prepared people’s hearts to receive His message. Just as God had a plan for the people of Corinth, He has a plan for those around us. We should not overlook the potential for transformation in people’s lives due to our efforts to witness and share God’s love.
Context of Acts 18:10
The context of Acts 18:10 reveals much about the early church and the challenges early Christians faced. Paul was not the only servant of God facing opposition; many of the disciples and apostles encountered hardship as they spread the Gospel. Acts 18 describes a specific moment in Paul’s journey where he had just transitioned his ministry from the Jewish community to the Gentiles after rejection. It underscores the significance of this turning point in his mission.
In this context, it’s important to note that God often appears in times of doubt. When Paul felt isolated or afraid, God provided reassurance through a vision. This speaks volumes about God’s care, showing that He understands our struggles and addresses them in personal ways. We can take encouragement from this as we face our challenges. God is waiting to speak to us in our fears, just as He did with Paul.
As we continue to explore the Book of Acts, we find that the early church was not without its trials. The opposition they faced from local authorities and religious leaders was intense. In this turmoil, God’s message of hope confronted the prevailing culture of doubt and despair. We can identify with this aspect in our daily lives as we navigate societies often hostile to our beliefs.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 18:10
The verse contains several key components that deserve our attention. The first part is the assurance of God’s presence, “For I am with thee.” This phrase demonstrates God’s desire to be intimately involved in our lives. He is not a distant deity; rather, He actively engages with us through our joys and struggles. We are called to trust in His presence, knowing that He is always close to us, even when we feel alone.
Next, God speaks to Paul’s safety, saying, “no man shall set on thee to hurt thee.” This divine protection reassures us that God is a refuge in times of trouble. He guards our hearts and minds, offering peace that surpasses understanding. In our lives, we can lean on this promise to face our fears, knowing that God has a hedge of protection around us. The understanding that we are safeguarded allows us to venture boldly into new challenges and opportunities.
Lastly, the declaration “I have much people in this city” reveals God’s plan for evangelism. It serves as a reminder that our mission extends beyond our comfort zones. We may encounter individuals who seem uninterested or hardened, yet God’s heart is already at work within them. We must remain committed and courageous in sharing the message of Christ. Just like God had prepared the hearts in Corinth, He prepares hearts today.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 18:10
Acts 18:10 teaches us valuable lessons about faith and perseverance. We learn the importance of resting in God’s presence during trying times. When we feel anxious or afraid, we must remember God’s promise to be with us. This assurance allows us to move forward boldly, even in daunting situations. Each one of us faces moments of uncertainty; however, God’s presence is our comfort. We are reminded to lean on Him and trust that He will guide us through our challenges.
Additionally, this verse encourages us to share our faith without hesitation. The people of Corinth represented individuals who were ready to receive the love of Christ. Our world today is filled with people who are hungry for hope and truth. It is our responsibility to share the Gospel wherever we go. Sometimes, we might doubt that our contributions matter, but God has chosen us as vessels to fulfill His divine mission. Each interaction we have can potentially lead someone closer to Him.
We also learn that God has a plan for each city and community we find ourselves in. Just as He had many people in Corinth, God has individuals ready to respond to His call in our lives. We might not see the immediate results of our efforts, but we must trust that God is working behind the scenes. This understanding enables us to persevere in sharing love and hope, even when the outcomes do not align with our expectations.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Acts 18:10, let us be inspired by the promises God has made to us. He assures us of His presence and protection, encouraging us to continue serving Him courageously. The lessons derived from this verse serve as a reminder that we all play a part in God’s grand narrative, manifesting love and truth in challenging environments.
While we may encounter fear and doubt, we can lean on the assurance that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Together, we can evangelize, support one another, and engage with our communities. As we press on in our individual and collective journeys, let us remember that God is with us, and He has prepared a path for us to follow.
For more insights, consider exploring other passages like Acts 14:24 or Joshua 10:19. The wisdom in these verses will further encourage us in our walk of faith.