After time in Athens the Apostle Paul does not wait for the arrival of Silas and Timothy but moves west to the largest Greek city of Corinth. If Athens was a city full of idolatry, Corinth was a city full of sensuality. While Paul came to Corinth in “fear and much trembling” (1 Cor 2:1-3), through the encouragement of many visible providences, as well as a direct personal message from God, he continued to patiently persevere, “staying a year and six months, teaching the work of God among the” (18:11). Paul’s ministry in Corinth reminds us that since speaking for Christ in a Christless world is difficult, we must continually trust in God’s promises and persevere in our witness.
- God’s Providential Encouragement (vv. 1-8)
- God’s Personal Encouragement (vv. 9-10)
- Paul’s Patient Perseverance (vv. 11-17)