ACTS 18 

Acts 18:1-16 chronicles Paul's time in Corinth.  Verse 11 tells us that he spent a full 18 months in the city.  This chapter gives us the background to understand the letters he would later write to the church there.

WHAT DOES THIS TELL ME ABOUT GOD?

When we are on God's side, God is on our side.  

Paul's initial efforts in Corinth were rather discouraging.  After weeks of reasoning with people in the synogogue, he wasn't just rejected, he was abused.  Eventually, he became so discouraged in his efforts with the Jews that he was ready to throw in the towel.  

And then God showed up:

Acts 18

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

God still had plans for Corinth, and Paul was part of those plans.  Paul was doing God's work and, therefore, God was on Paul's side.

At first glance, it may have seemed like Paul was wasting his time in Corinth, but it wasn't just about his efforts and his reasoning; God was involved.  Paul was never alone. When God showed up, big things happened.

Being that Paul spent a year and half in Corinth, and he wrote them multiple letters, he clearly cared for them.  The opening words of 1 Corinthians gives us an idea of the impact he had there.

1 Corinthians 1

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

If there's someone you've been trying to share the gospel with, and you're feeling discouraged, remember, you are not alone.  God is on your side, and God wants you to succeed.  There will be times that will be difficult.  If you're feeling rejected, that puts you in the same company as Paul and Jesus.  

While in the short term, things may appear difficult, there is hope in the end.  I think Jesus said it best:

John 16

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 SEAN CHANDLER  |  Associate Pastor 

 Sean has been a part of the association of Hill Country Bible Churches for over twenty years. He received Christ as a youth while attending Hill Country Bible Church Austin. He attended Hill Country Bible Church NW from 1989 to 2002. At that time he began attending HCBC Pflugerville. He served as a student ministry intern there for two years. In 2008, Sean graduated from Columbia International University with a double major in Bible and Bible teaching. Sean married his wife, Jennifer, in 2006. Their first child, Liam, was born in 2012.

He blogs regularly at seanchandler.net.