Connect Acts 18:10 with Matthew 28:20 on God's promise of presence. One Promise, Two Moments Acts 18:10 – “For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” Matthew 28:20 – “And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Both verses record Jesus speaking. One is to Paul in a Corinthian night vision; the other is to the Eleven on a Galilean mountain. Different settings, same Lord, same pledge: “I am with you.” Context: Corinth’s Dark Night • Paul had just arrived, worn from repeated opposition (Acts 17). • Tension rose in the synagogue; discouragement lurked. • Jesus intervened with a four-part word (Acts 18:9-10): – “Do not be afraid.” – “Keep on speaking.” – “Do not be silent.” – “For I am with you…” • Result: Paul stayed a year and a half, teaching the word of God, protected by the Lord’s unseen hand. Context: The Great Commission’s Dawn • The risen Christ gathered His disciples and charged them to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). • The assignment is vast—teach, baptize, reach the world—yet the promise is bigger: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” • His abiding presence is the engine of world missions; without it the task is impossible, with it the outcome is certain. The Golden Thread of Presence Through Scripture From Eden to the New Jerusalem, God keeps saying, “I am with you.” • Genesis 28:15 – to Jacob fleeing into exile. • Exodus 3:12 – to Moses before Pharaoh. • Joshua 1:9 – to Joshua crossing the Jordan. • Isaiah 41:10 – to exiles facing enemies. • Haggai 1:13 – to builders of a ruined temple. • Matthew 1:23 – Jesus called “Immanuel,” “God with us.” • Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Revelation 21:3 – “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Each moment echoes the unbroken covenant faithfulness that meets every fear with His nearness. What the Promise Means for Us Today • Steadfast Courage – Fear loses its grip when we remember Who stands beside us (Psalm 23:4). • Ongoing Mission – His presence assures fruit as we share the gospel in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). • Persevering Endurance – Trials, persecution, or loneliness cannot sever the bond (Romans 8:38-39). • Daily Holiness – Knowing He is present shapes choices, conversations, and thought life (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Joy-Fueled Worship – The God who is with us is also for us, leading hearts to grateful praise (Psalm 16:11). Living Inside the Promise Hold Acts 18:10 and Matthew 28:20 together like two bookends. One guards the worker in a hostile city; the other empowers the church for a global calling. Christ’s nearness is not seasonal or situational; it is continuous, concrete, and covenantal. Whatever the assignment, wherever the location, however long the road, He has already said enough to settle our souls: “I am with you.” |
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