Acts 18:7

Observe here, 1. That the opposition which St. Paul met with while he lodged in the house of Aquila and Priscilla, moved him to change his quarters, and betake himself to. new lodging: he goes into the house of Justus, by birth. Gentile, but. Jewish proselyte, whose house joined nigh to the synagogue where St. Paul's preaching work lay, to such as would be willing to hear him.

Observe, 2. The good success which the apostle had in his preaching at Corinth: Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue, and his household, were brought to believe, and were baptized; after whose example, many of the people in Corinth believed also. Rulers and great men are looking-glasses, in the places where they live, by which many dress themselves.

Observe, 3. That notwithstanding this good success which St. Paul had at Corinth, he seems, through human frailty, to be possessed with fear, and under an apprehension of danger from the Jews, and accordingly has thoughts of leaving the city; against which fears God antidotes him with. gracious promise of his presence with him: Be not afraid, for. am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee.

Hence learn, 1. That the best and holiest of God's saints and servants are sometimes under sad and slavish fears, and prone to be discouraged, when they meet with difficulties in the way of their duty.

2. That the promise and assurance of God's gracious presence with them, will raise them up above their fears, and be. sufficient encouragement to them, for their abiding in any place, and amongst any people, let the difficulty or danger be what it will: Be not afraid, for. am with thee, and none shall hurt thee.

Observe, 4.. farther encouragement given by God to the apostle, to continue his ministry still at Corinth: I have much people in this city. That is, here are many souls whom. design effectually to call and bring home by thy ministry: accordingly the apostle continued his ministry among them. year and six months.

Learn hence, That although the ingratitude and perverseness of. people do sadly discourage their ministers, and tempt them to remove from them, yet God encourages them to their duty; that for the malice of some, the salvation of others may not be neglected.

2. That no opposition must discourage the ministers of God in the way of their duty; God's servants must not suffer themselves to be outdone by the devil's slaves, but bear down all opposition made against them, with patience and joyfulness. And notwithstanding all the malicious opposition made by the Jews against the apostle, yet did he continue. year and six months to preach at Corinth.

Christ had. great harvest a-ripening in that city, to be reaped by the apostle's ministry; and being encouraged with the promise of his protecting presence, he committed himself to the divine care, and the Lord both preserved and succeeded him.