Acts 18: '...I have many people in this city'.
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| Photo credit: geralt | Pixabay |
‘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.’ Acts 18:9-10
When I first read the Bible cover to cover aged 17, I noted down verses that jumped out to me, and this was one of them. I'd forgotten the context until I came it again, this time with a much wider knowledge of the Bible and better understanding of the characters, places and events. Paul is in the Greek city of Corinth, and stays there a year and a half, teaching and establishing the church there (this is the church to whom he writes the letters 1 and 2 Corinthians). Paul has faced opposition to the gospel message, and God speaks these words to him in a vision.
Throughout the rest of Chapter 18 we hear about Paul and others (Silas, Timothy, Priscilla, Aquilla and Apollos) faithfully preaching the word of God - that people can be saved from their sins if they trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some oppose them and try to stop them - which is nothing new: we've come across this many times so far in the course of the book of Acts - and others listen and have their lives transformed.
God's words to Paul in his vision are a charge to those who God has particularly called to a 'speaking' ministry, whether formal or informal - from formal preaching and teaching to casual conversations. But it is also a charge to all of us - keep speaking about the word of God, and don't be afraid! There are so many things in the world that might encourage us to shut up - from opposition and the fear that speaking up will cause us some harm, to the indifference of others and wondering if we're even achieving anything. But God charges us to keep speaking!
But when I wrote down these verses all those years ago, the part that had prompted me to do so was the very last part: '...because I have many people in this city'. In fact, I can't remember, but these may have been the only words I wrote down. It inspired me because it brought to mind an image of God being present in all places his body of believers - the Church. I have been fortunate enough since to meet believers in other places - other countries in which I am a foreigner - and have had the privilege to worship with them. I have also known that wherever I go, I will have a family, and in that family is God himself. Jesus Christ is here with us, in every city, every town and every village; every school, every workplace and every community. He is here through his Holy Spirit, and part of that is being present through that body of believers.
And this should give us reason not to be afraid! Alone, we are just weak individuals, but together we the body of Christ - all supporting each other and connected to the head, which is Jesus himself.
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