Acts 18: 9 One night Paul had a vision in which he heard the Lord’s voice.
The Lord: Do not be afraid, Paul. Speak! Don’t be silent! 10 I am with you, and no one will lay a finger on you to harm you. I have many in this city who are already My people.
11 After such turmoil in previous cities, these words encouraged Paul to extend his stay in Corinth, teaching the message of God among them for a year and six months.[1]
In seems that in all the towns where Paul had preached on both the first and second mission trip, he had never stayed much longer than three months. Generally, at the three-month mark, opposition would be so violent that Paul would have to leave town for his own safety. He had started preaching in the synagogue and then was forced out and began to preach to the Gentiles. This had been the pattern in every city he had gone to. I would guess Paul was assuming it would be time to leave town soon to avoid mob action from the Jews. They would try a political move, but God would thwart it (Acts 18:12-17). Paul would have needed strong encouragement to stay in town and God provided supernaturally.
God will sustain His followers in the good times and the bad. Paul greatest joy was pursuing the dangerous mission of Jesus Christ. How about you? Are you willing to trust God to protect you as you follow Jesus?
To hear more of Paul’s story in Corinth, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/mission-trip-two-radio-show/a-heart-for-the-lost
[1] The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society.