Jesus Protects Us

Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, it turns out wrong?  No matter what you do somebody criticizes you? No matter what you do there seem to be numerous roadblocks?

Today’s reading (Acts 18:7-11) tells us that Paul was having one of those days in Corinth. Actually, he was probably having one of those months in present day Greece.

Paul preached in Thessalonica. A mob formed and started a riot in the city. Paul preached in Berea and a mob of Jews from Thessalonica chased him out of town. Paul preached in Athens. Paul was merely ridiculed there. Finally Paul preached in Corinth. The Jews there opposed him too.

Paul must have been discouraged.

Christ approached him in a dream and said, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you…” Paul must have been relieved.

Jesus was protecting Paul.

Sometimes when we do the Lord’s work we can be criticized and scorned. Sometimes people are threatened and even sometimes harmed. Like Paul, we can be discouraged.

We need to remember that Jesus is there protecting us, just like he protected Paul.

Although the focus has been on the persecution of Paul, Paul was very successful. In Thessalonica, some of the Jews became Christians. In Berea, many of the Jews believed Paul and his message of salvation. Even in the college town of Athens, where Paul was sneered at, a few people became believers.

Perhaps most strikingly, at least to me, was the miracle in Corinth. In this extremely rich and immoral port city, Paul’s message converted Crispus, the head of the synagogue, and his entire household. Paul’s message was also heard by the Gentiles, and rich and poor alike formed a congregation dedicated to Jesus in the city.

Although Paul was persecuted, Jesus got the results he wanted by working through Paul.

We can deliver Jesus’ message to the world with boldness. We may feel persecution, but our souls are safe from the great deceiver.

Jesus protects us.

Paul in Corinth - Acts 18:1-16

When Bob and I moved to a small community in Virginia, we noticed square dancing was what people did for entertainment. We joined a group and as a result, met many people.

Paul arrives in Corinth not knowing anyone. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, who have also just arrived. As they talk, they realize they have tent making in common. They commit to work together and Paul moves in with them. Paul uses tent making to support himself and to build relationships with people. He is able to share his story about how Jesus changed his life.

Paul goes to the meeting place on the Sabbath. He tells both Jews and Greeks how much God loves them, and about the relationship they can have with Him through Jesus. The people argue and contradict him. Paul gets frustrated and exhausted. He shouts out telling them he is done with them. He is moving on to other places.

When Timothy and Silas arrive in Corinth, they encourage Paul. He is uplifted and continues on his mission to teach God’s Word.

Paul begins to see things happening. He meets Titius Justus and Crispus, two sincere believers. Many Corinthians begin to believe and be baptized.

God has His eyes on Paul. God encourages him with His Words of guidance and protection. When the Jews bring Paul into court, God shows how powerless they are.

We're encouraged to be witnesses for Christ. In our daily lives we are asked to tell our faith stories. We should encourage each other and pray for each other as we go out into the world or within our neighborhoods to proclaim the Good News.

Read today's text on Biblegateway.