Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ… But [they] opposed Paul and became abusive. Acts 18:5-6 (NIV)
Luke records for us what happened when Paul went to Corinth. It was the Las Vegas of the early world, a really tough place for gospel ministry. Where do you go from there?
Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of a man called Titius Justus. The first thing that happened was that the synagogue ruler, a man called Crispus, and his whole family believed in Christ. Many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
Then one night, Christ spoke to Paul in a dream: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking… I am with you… I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10). The Son of God is saying, “The Father has given me many people in this city. They will come to Me!” The Father has given many people in your city to Christ too and they will come to Him!
“All that the Father gives me will come to me!” Satan can’t stop them. Sin can’t stop them. The culture can’t stop them. Persecution can’t stop them. “All that the Father gives me will come to me.” This is our guarantee of the progress of the gospel.
Can you think of a greater encouragement to persevere in gospel ministry?
