Acts 18:8-11 8But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household, and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized. 9And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not keep silent, 10because I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11And he remained a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Paul’s ministry in the Corinthian synagogue was not a total waste of time and effort, even though he got very frustrated, as indicated by the previous verses. When God’s word goes out, it is never a waste of time (Isaiah 55:11). Crispus, the synagogue ruler, came to believe. Paul mentioned him later in 1 Corinthians 1:14 as one of the few he baptized while there. As in other situations, such as with the Philippian jailor, Crispus’ entire household came to believe in Jesus. When the leader of a home makes a change, both good or bad, the rest will be influenced and will follow. Paul’s ministry to the Gentile Corinthians was also successful. A strong church was started as a result. This church posed many challenges later for Paul, but these challenges have been a gift to the church with the two letters we have in our canon that provide many theological and ethical insights.
When faced with challenges in ministry, the temptation is to quit. Those who have been in pastoral ministry can especially identify with Paul’s struggles in Corinth. All believers who are faithful witnesses will experience struggles and challenges. The Lord’s vision and words to Paul in verses 9-10 provide encouragement to all. Do not give up when opposition comes, both inside and outside of the church. The words of the Lord provided Paul with crucial inspiration to keep going.
First, the Lord encouraged Paul not to be afraid. Fear comes when the situation is beyond our control and can even be harmful or hurtful. Second, Paul needed to preach with clarity and courage and not let the opposition cause him to compromise his message. Third, the Lord’s presence was with him through the Holy Spirit. The first three points were true everywhere Paul went, and apply to faithful witnesses today. The fourth point was particular to that time and place. The Lord promised Paul that no harm would come to him, which was fulfilled with a long ministry of eighteen months, one of Paul’s longest stays in one place. The fifth point was a special insight that Paul was not alone. There were others in the city who also believed. Feeling alone is one of the biggest challenges in ministry. The prophet Elijah felt that way after defeating the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 19:10, 14. Sometimes, through the most difficult times, the greatest victories come.