Paul traveled to Corinth after sharing at the Aeropagus in Athens. When he arrived in Corinth, he met Jewish Christians Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, who had recently come from Rome, which was in Italy. Both left Rome because the Roman emperor ordered Jews to leave the city. During this time, the Roman emperor was persecuting the Jews. Paul stayed and worked with them as a tentmaker. Paul often worked as a tentmaker to support himself as he traveled to share the gospel from place to place. Every Sabbath, which was every Saturday, Paul went to the synagogue to reason and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks to believe in Jesus as the Messiah or the Savior. Silas and Timothy were able to join Him from Berea, so Paul could devote Himself to preaching the gospel. However, those in the synagogue became abusive, and he left the synagogue and decided that from then on, he would go to the Gentiles to preach the gospel. (Second Missionary Journey Map).
Paul continued to preach the gospel. He led Titius Justus, a Gentile, and Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household in the Lord, and they all believed and were water baptized. That night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid; keep speaking do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the Word of God. (Acts 18:1-11). Our Lord Jesus had to encourage Paul that night because he could be discouraged or tired of being attacked every time he shared the gospel with people. It was wonderful when Paul saw people believing in the message of the gospel, but he faced more opposition than being received.
Our Lord Jesus knows when we are discouraged or tired. But He always wants to comfort us with His Word. Our Lord is encouraging us today not to be afraid in whatever circumstances we are in. We can rely on God and lift up our prayer requests to Him. The Lord who protected Paul in Corinth is the same God who can protect us today. Let us be encouraged by our Lord Jesus.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) Who encouraged Paul when he was afraid, discouraged, or tired? Am I allowing God to comfort me in my fear and discouragement? How can I receive God's comfort?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that You are the God of comfort. You always know when I am fearful, discouraged, or tired. Lord Jesus, thank you that you always want to encourage me through your Word. Please help me to trust you and receive your comfort. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.