Daily Lesson for Wednesday 1st of July 2026
Read Acts 18:4-8. What were the results of Paul’s preaching?
The work of Paul among the Jews at Corinth was not as fruitful as he wanted it to be. He had to face some hostility and hatred. The Bible says that “they opposed him and blasphemed” (Acts 18:6, NKJV). When the object of the Greek verb blasphēmeō (“to blaspheme”) is a human being, it means “to revile” or “to defame.” In other words, they intended to stain Paul’s reputation and to prevent him from succeeding in his missionary endeavors.
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
Fortunately, the work of Paul in the Corinthian synagogue was not in vain. After all, God was in charge of this mission. He promised, “[My word] shall not return to me empty” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV). Some Jews did not expect that Crispus, the synagogue’s ruler, and his entire household would accept Jesus as the Messiah and get baptized (Acts 18:8). In addition, “many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8, NKJV), very likely also because of the influence of Crispus.
Read Acts 18:9-10. What can we infer about Paul’s feelings in the face of his challenges in Corinth? How did God encourage His servant?
Right after Paul left the synagogue, he had an experience that brought him encouragement. Christ Himself appeared to him by night in a vision, with words that recall Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you” (NKJV). Indeed, Paul admits he was in Corinth “in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3, NKJV). He had to depart from Berea to Athens because of staunch opposition. He seems to have thought he would have to leave Corinth for the same reason: great opposition. But that would not happen this time. Jesus said to him: “ ‘I have many people in this city’ ” (Acts 18:10, NKJV). And Paul was His instrument to take the news of salvation to them.
|
Read Isaiah 41:10. What wonderful promises does God give you in this verse? What hope do they give you right now in your life? |
