When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on 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.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

The Jews who opposed Paul were abusive in this text. And in the preceding chapters: 1) In Thessalonica they incited violent mobs against him, 2) in Berra they incited the crowd against him, 3) in Philippi they were beaten and thrown into prison, and 4) in Asia and Bithynia, they were kept from going to the people in these cities by God’s Spirit or the spirit of Jesus.

Over time, these types of persecution and obstacles weigh on a person and doubts and fears can build up in the back of their minds. Paul was a fierce spiritual warrior, clearly; but even he had fears and worries to address in his heart. It appears, by inference, that Paul was fearful of staying here in Corinth for the future violence that might occur. He could have been worried about himself, his companion Silas, or the Christian converts who could be persecuted because of him, like Jason was in Thessalonica.

But notice what God did here. He did not scold Paul for these thoughts or concerns, he encouraged him. And he gave him these simple commands: 1) Do not be afraid, and 2) Keep on speaking and do not be silent. Why? Because God is with him and he has his people in this city to protect him. He will not allow him to be harmed.

I guess I can understand that after being beaten by rods by an angry mob, I too might “flinch” at out-staying my welcome in a city.

When Moses was called to go back into Egypt to lead his people out of slavery, he was fearful too. He had been rejected by his people, because he was raised in luxury in the Egyptian palace. And he had killed an Egyptian, who was beating up a Jew, trying to defend him. So I think in his mind, no one would like him. So God showed up to him in a burning bush. “God said to Moses, “I AM who I am [or I will be who I will be]. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬)

From this verse he was called The Great I AM, because nothing in this world can define God. God was telling Moses he was with him.

And for his faithful followers, he tells us this today: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬)

Do I feel like life has dealt some tough blows? Am I worried about how the future will play out? I AM that I AM is with me! He has my back!

Lord, thank you for the clear message of your protection you made to Paul and to Moses; and the message you have given to us as we serve you today. You are with us! That is all I need, King Jesus!