What can we learn from Paul's perseverance in Acts 18:11 for our ministry? The Corinthian Backdrop • Corinth buzzed with commerce, pagan worship, and moral instability. • Acts 18:9-10 recounts the Lord telling Paul, “Do not be afraid... for I am with you,” giving divine reassurance before verse 11. Steadfast Presence “So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among them.” (Acts 18:11) • Eighteen months of unbroken ministry displayed patience in a difficult setting. • His staying power allowed the gospel to take root, form a church, and impact a strategic city. Guided by God’s Promise • The prior vision (Acts 18:9-10) anchored Paul’s resolve; promise produced perseverance. • God’s word to “keep speaking” shaped Paul’s schedule, energy, and priorities. Lessons for Our Ministry Today • Remain where God assigns until He clearly redirects. Faithfulness often precedes fruitfulness. • Teach Scripture consistently. Continuous exposure to God’s word transforms lives (2 Timothy 4:2). • Lean on divine promises when opposition rises (Hebrews 10:23). • Measure success by obedience rather than speed. Spiritual harvest matures over time (James 5:7-8). • Perseverance builds credibility; people need to see steadfast love in action (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). • Resist fear with God’s presence. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Scriptures That Reinforce Perseverance • 2 Corinthians 4:1—“Therefore, since we have this ministry... we do not lose heart.” • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap...” • Hebrews 12:1-3—fixing our eyes on Jesus keeps fatigue from winning. Paul’s eighteen-month stay in Corinth illustrates that enduring presence, anchored in God’s promises and powered by the Word, remains a timeless pattern for fruitful ministry today. |
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