Keep on speaking, do not be silent (Acts 18:9-10)
“For I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:10)
I have many people in this city.
During his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul faced great difficulties and trials in Corinth. Specifically, in Acts 17, Paul, before arriving in Corinth, tried to win with a logical and philosophical sermon suited to the philosophical and idolatrous atmosphere of Athens. However, it was largely unsuccessful. Only a few people ended up converting.
Afterwards, Paul left Athens, so discouraged and hopeless that he stopped his missionary work, and returned to Corinth. There, Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, a faithful and trusting couple, and they began working together in the same industry (Acts 18:2-3). He also preached in the synagogue every Sabbath, preaching to both Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:4).
Silas and Timothy also came down from Macedonia and joined him in preaching the gospel. Paul gained strength and courage from his coworkers, and he became even more captivated by God’s word, boldly proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. However, evangelism in Corinth was not easy.
The Jews opposed the gospel, and Paul began to oppose and slander them. So, Paul and his companions entered the home of Titus Justus, a man who revered God. When Christ, the leader of the synagogue, and his entire household believed in the Lord, many Corinthians heard and were baptized. (Acts 18:7-8)
During a difficult time in Corinth, the Apostle Paul decided to cast off all his foolishness and go to the Gentiles. One night, while Paul was praying, God appeared to him in a vision and said,
“Do not be afraid; keep 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) (Acts 18:9-10)
The words of the Lord he saw and heard in his vision gave Paul renewed strength and courage that would not let him tire. Afterwards, Paul stayed for another year and six months, preaching and establishing the church in Corinth. Even after this, when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, a group of Jews banded together to oppose Paul, leading to a dramatic situation where they were dragged before the court. (Acts 18:13)
Despite these twists and turns, Paul was able to successfully complete his ministry in Corinth and establish the church. This was possible because, even when disappointment and discouragement dwindled his once-sparkling passion, he never let go of the rope of prayer. He always kept the door open to heaven. Paul, a man of prayer, heard the voice of the Lord that night while kneeling in prayer.
“I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:10)
“I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:10)
At a time when many people had accepted the gospel and begun to believe in Jesus, but still no hope was visible, these words brought the Apostle Paul overflowing hope. Vision inspires hope in all of us and allows us to see a bright light even in the dark tunnel of life.
Beloved, even in the harsh and barren life of an immigrant, we can continue to tirelessly carry out the Lord’s work only when we hear His voice.
Heller Keller (1880-1968), who suffered from the triple whammy of blindness, deafness, and muteness, met a teacher named Sullivan and found a new life. Sullivan, who met her at the age of seven, taught her the true meaning of speech, writing, and life. After graduating from Harvard University’s Radcliffe College, Helen Keller traveled the world sharing her life story, giving hope and courage to countless people with disabilities and those in pain. She was called an “angel of light,” and Time magazine included her among the 100 greatest people of the 20th century.
It is said that Mr. Sullivan repeatedly told Helen Keller:
“Keep on starting and failing. With each failure, you will achieve something. Even if you don’t achieve what you want, you will gain something worthwhile. So keep on starting and failing.”
Helen Keller is said to have given courage and hope to people with disabilities with these words:
“It’s not the happy who can see the sun, nor the unhappy who can’t. What matters is the heart.
Have light in your heart. Be strong and courageous. The most pitiful person is the one who has sight but no vision.”
As we live in this world, we sometimes encounter difficulties and trials like Helen Keller. When all the responsibility and burden is placed on us, even though we have done nothing wrong, we can feel truly wronged and resentful.
However, even in these cases, rather than being discouraged and discouraged,
the strength to rise up and move forward lies in listening to God’s voice,
and in looking to His vision and dreams.
The strength of our time today lies in holding on to the dreams and vision God has given us,
and in responding with faith to that vision and the Lord’s voice.
By Rev. Chang Jae-woong
