MARCH 28, 2025
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote that he came to them, “in weakness with great fear and trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3)
Paul’s fear in Corinth was based on hard facts. Shortly after his conversion, religious leaders in Damascus plotted to kill him (Acts 9:23-24), and also in Jerusalem (Acts 9:29). Some at Antioch instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas which resulted in his being driven from the city. At Iconium, one group sought to stone Paul (Acts 14:5), and failing, they stoned him at Lystra, leaving him for dead (Acts 14:19). In Macedonia, he was beaten, in Thessalonica he was driven out of the town, in Berea he was driven out, in Athens he saw little success, and in Corinth he was again rejected.
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:23-28
The good news of Jesus Paul was proclaiming was “a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles,” and there was a lot of stumbling, laughter, and rejection in Corinth.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “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, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.”
Acts 18:9-11
Jesus tells Paul to not be afraid and gives him three promises:
- Presence: “I am with you.” A promise of comfort, power, and protection.
- Protection: “No one will harm you.”
- Plan: “I have many people in this city.” People like Pricilla and Aquila who would encourage Paul and share in his ministry.
Paul kept doing what he was called to do. He remained faithful even when he may have felt like giving up.
Later in his travels, Paul would write multiple letters to the believers in Corinth and in Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul refers to the whole Church in Corinth, proof that his time there would establish and build a church. (Romans 16).
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- When have you felt weary or afraid when trying to obey God’s call in your life?
- What did you do?
- How did you understand God’s promises or experience his presence during these times?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, March 28: Exodus 39; John 18
- Saturday, March 29: Exodus 40; John 19
- Sunday, March 30: Leviticus 1; John 20