"Do not be afraid..."

“Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you..” Acts 18:9

In recent weeks at Converge International Fellowship, we have been focusing our study of God’s word in the book of Acts.  What a great place for a young new church to spend a few months!  It is so encouraging to read the history of God at work in the early days of the church – we see the early victories, the difficult challenges, the apparent setbacks turned to victory, and, ultimately, we see the sovereign hand of God at work in all situations.  Recently, as we studied chapter 18, we took note that when Paul arrived in Corinth, it was a difficult time for him.  He had recently split with his friend, mentor and partner in ministry, Barnabas.  He was alone, having left Silas and Timothy in Macedonia.  He was low on funds, and was working as a tent-maker in Corinth to support himself, so that apparently could devote himself to ministry on Sabbath days.  In that period, Jesus appeared to Paul and in dramatic fashion reassured him to keep up the work – he was not alone!  Christ was with him!  The Lord also promised Paul that He had many people in the city.  In our study, we noted that in that same chapter of Acts, we have more individuals identified by name as coming alongside Paul in his work than in any other single chapter.  When Christ knew Paul needed encouragement, He not only reassured him of HIS enduring presence (wonderful enough!), but supplemented that support with new and renewed partnership and friendships.  How encouraging that is!