Acts 18

After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:

But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.

And he drave them from the judgment seat.

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

What does Acts 18:10 mean?

Explanation

Acts 18:10 is part of the narrative in the Book of Acts, which focuses on the growth of the early Christian Church following Jesus Christ's ascension.

In this particular verse, Paul receives a message of reassurance from the Lord during his missionary work in Corinth.

God is encouraging Paul to continue preaching the Gospel without fear of harm, indicating divine protection over him.

The phrase "For I am with thee" signifies God's presence with Paul, and the promise that no harm will come to him from people looking to obstruct his missionary efforts.

The latter part of the verse, "for I have much people in this city," suggests that God has already prepared a significant number of people in Corinth who are receptive to Paul's message and will become part of the Christian community.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of Paul.

The events described in Acts 18 occur during Paul's second missionary journey, around 50-52 A.D., when he visits the ancient Greek city of Corinth.

Corinth was a major city of trade, known for its wealth and cosmopolitan population.

The apostle Paul faced significant challenges in spreading Christian teachings due to cultural diversity, polytheism, and prevalent philosophical schools of thought.

Jewish opposition to Paul's message was also strong, as Christianity was seen as a deviation from Jewish traditions and beliefs.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 18:10 reveals several key aspects:

Divine Presence: This verse reassures believers that God is omnipresent and offers protection to those who do His work.
Providence: It indicates that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world and has a plan for the spread of the Gospel.
Predestination: Some theologians may interpret "I have much people in this city" as an indication of predestination, the idea that God has pre-selected individuals to hear and accept the Gospel.
Encouragement for Mission: It serves as a theological basis for evangelism and mission work, as God empowers and protects those who seek to share His Word.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Acts 18:10 can be applied in the following ways:

Facing Fear: The verse can encourage believers to persevere in their Christian walk and mission, even in the face of opposition or fear.
Assurance of God's Presence: It can offer comfort to individuals that they are not alone, as God is with them in their endeavors.
Community Building: It underscores the importance of building Christian communities and the belief that God has already prepared the hearts of people to receive the message.

Cross-References

Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Matthew 28:20: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Amen."

John 10:16: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

Language Study

The key words from Acts 18:10 in their original Koine Greek:

"For I am with thee" ("ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι μετὰ σοῦ"): The phrase emphasizes the companionship and support of God throughout one's mission.
"No man" ("οὐδεὶς"): Emphasizes the absolute nature of the statement that absolutely no person will harm Paul.
"To hurt thee" ("ἐπιθῆναί σοι"): Refers to inflicting damage or harm.
"Much people" ("λαός εἰσίν μοι πολύς"): This phrase communicates the idea of a significant number of individuals whom God has chosen or prepared.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Acts 18:10 might be compared with other ancient cultural and religious texts that stress divine protection or favor for certain chosen individuals or prophets.

For instance, in several ancient traditions, rulers or heroes were believed to have their destinies shaped by the gods.

Religious interpretations in other Abrahamic faiths also emphasize God's presence with devout individuals facing opposition.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, the notion of divine protection could be seen as a psychological comfort, providing individuals with increased resilience in challenging situations.

Research in psychology suggests that a belief in a supportive higher power can positively affect mental health and coping strategies.

Commentaries

Numerous biblical scholars and theologians have offered insights into Acts 18:10:

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible interprets "I have much people in this city" as a reference to God's elect in Corinth who were yet to be converted.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the corroborating fact that Paul stayed in Corinth for a significant time after this vision, suggesting that God's reassurance had a profound impact on his ministry.
Matthew Henry's Commentary reinforces the concept of God's sovereignty and the comfort that comes from divine promises of protection to those who are laboring in His service.

Acts 18

Acts 18

What does Acts 18:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 18:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?