Paul is on the road again. He finds himself in the Greek city of Corinth. It was a city of affluence, influence, and an important trade route. In Corinth, Paul finds new friends in Pricilla & Aquila— a couple who were escaping the persecution of Jews in Rome by Emperor Claudius. Paul joins them in their business of tent making. Paul continues his practice of speaking about Jesus in the local synagogues every Sabbath. The Jewish community in Corinth eventually becomes hostile toward Paul. He is forced to shift his focus to the Gentile community, as the hostility of the Jewish community remains ignited against him. It is during this opposition that Paul receives a vision from the Lord: “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.” (Acts 18:9-10) Perhaps, Paul was tempted to pack up and leave for the next city? Perhaps, Paul was afraid of what the Jewish community might do toward him? We cannot know for sure. What we do know is that Paul needed to hear this message of comfort —- and so do we. Our own shortcomings, circumstances, and challenges often make us feel alone and ashamed. Yet in those moments of doubt, the voice of Jesus tells us “I am with you always to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20) What will it mean for our church to together welcome the voice of the Comforter today? What will it mean for TMP to walk unafraid?
Paul is on the road again. He finds himself in the Greek city of Corinth. It was a city of affluence, influence, and an important trade route. In Corinth, Paul finds new friends in Pricilla & Aquila— a couple who were escaping the persecution of Jews in Rome by Emperor Claudius. Paul joins them in their business of tent making. Paul continues his practice of speaking about Jesus in the local synagogues every Sabbath. The Jewish community in Corinth eventually becomes hostile toward Paul. He is forced to shift his focus to the Gentile community, as the hostility of the Jewish community remains ignited against him. It is during this opposition that Paul receives a vision from the Lord: “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.” (Acts 18:9-10) Perhaps, Paul was tempted to pack up and leave for the next city? Perhaps, Paul was afraid of what the Jewish community might do toward him? We cannot know for sure. What we do know is that Paul needed to hear this message of comfort —- and so do we. Our own shortcomings, circumstances, and challenges often make us feel alone and ashamed. Yet in those moments of doubt, the voice of Jesus tells us “I am with you always to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20) What will it mean for our church to together welcome the voice of the Comforter today? What will it mean for TMP to walk unafraid?