I am with thee

“I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: For I have much people in this city.” -Acts 18:10

So long as the Lord had work for Paul to do in Corinth, the fury of the mob was restrained. The Jews opposed themselves and blasphemed; but they could neither stop the preaching of the gospel, nor the conversion of the hearers. God has power over the most violent minds. He makes the wrath of man to praise Him when it breaks forth, but He still more displays His goodness when He restrains it; and He can restrain it. “By the greatness of thine arm they should be as still as a stone, till thy people pass over, O Lord.”

Do not, therefore, feel any fear of man when you know that you were doing your duty. Go straight on, as Jesus would have done, and those who oppose shall be as a bruised reed and as smoking flax. Many a time men have had cause to fear because they were themselves afraid; but a dauntless faith in God brushes fear aside like the cobwebs in a giant’s path. No man can harm us unless the Lord permits. He who makes the devil himself to flee at a word, can certainly control the devil’s agents. Maybe they are already more afraid of you then you are of them. Therefore, go forward, and where you looked to meet with foes you will find friends. CH Spurgeon

1. What does Spurgeon mean when he says, “God has power over the most violent minds”?

2. How does ‘a dauntless faith in God’ encourage perseverance especially when facing severe opposition?

3. How is this text (v10) a help as we seek to evangelise the lost? What encouragement do you find here regarding your work and witness for Jesus Christ?