Acts 18:7-11

A pattern had developed in Paul’s ministry.  He would have initial success, and people would respond to the gospel with belief.  Then opposition from those driven by jealousy and hatred would soon follow.  The opposition would become strong enough that it would result in Paul having to leave town and move on to another location.  Once it had resulted in a mob stoning Paul and leaving him for dead outside the city walls.  In one town, the authorities had placed Paul in jail after having him beaten and they then ordered him to leave town.  In another town, they had forced his fellow believers to place bonds to ensure the peace.  Paul was only human, and he had to wonder if the same pattern would follow at Corinth.

Most of us will never experience a direct vision from Jesus.  Paul did, and I believe it was because of discouragement that it was essential that he received it.  I do not believe Paul would have given up without the vision.  The many examples from his life show that he was not a quitter.  However, it is only natural that fear will cause our work to suffer, and we are better at everything we do when we have the assurance of success.  The vision, from Jesus, gave Paul the assurance that he did not need to be afraid, and that no one was going to attack and harm him while he was in Corinth.

Jesus was able to give this assurance because he had many people in that city.  Most of those people never had their name recorded in the bible or any other human literature.  They were unnamed and unrecognized by most of humanity.  However, Jesus recognized them and He wrote their names in his Book of Life.  Because they were faithful, Jesus was able to give Paul the encouragement and assurance he needed to continue teaching the church in Corinth.  The world may not know our names, but Jesus does; He gives us a part in building the church.