God Knows

Introduction

It seems that Paul has met with opposition at every turn as he strives to follow the leadership of the Spirit of God on his missionary journey.

Paul has just left Athens where he met with little success and is now come to Corinth where at first it seems he will see even less. Paul may have wondered why God had brought him to Corinth but soon he will come to understand that God knows exactly what He is doing.

In this passage of scripture we can see:

God’s Providence (Vs. 1-3)

Paul did not see a vision in the night or receive specific instructions to make his way to Corinth nevertheless it is clear that God’s providential hand had led him there.

It was by God’s providence that Paul would cross paths with Aquila and Priscilla, who would become his companions and fellow laborers in the gospel ministry.

In Aquila and Priscilla Paul would find the opportunity to support himself financially as he continued to minister in Corinth.

He would also find companionship since Silas and Timothy had not yet rejoined him at this point.

He would also find a welcoming residence where he could enjoy Christian fellowship and the opportunity to refresh himself after his long missionary journey.

Initially Paul would labor in tent-making alongside Aquila and Priscilla but ultimately they would become his co-laborers in the gospel ministry.

Acts 18:18- When Paul left Corinth Aquila and Priscilla would depart with him.

Acts 18:24-26- It would be Aquila and Priscilla who would instruct Apollos

Romans 16:3- Paul refers to them as his helpers in Jesus Christ.

God’s by his providential guidance will often supply our needs and will often lead us to people that may influence us and that we may influence for Christ.

It was God’s providence that led Paul to Corinth and to his two new companions. As God works providentially in our lives, we can trust that He knows exactly what He is doing and that if we will follow His leading He will supply our needs and give us the opportunity to be used in His service.

There are no accidents with God, we can be sure that behind the scenes He is always working providentially to bring about His will.

Unbelieving Opposition (Vs. 4- 6)

Paul had, from the very beginning of his time in Corinth, been going to the synagogue every sabbath day to reason with those who gathered there from the scriptures.

When Paul’s ministry companions arrived Paul began to ramp up the pressure as he testified that Jesus was the Christ.

It seems that Paul had reasoned with them long enough and now began to call on them to make a decision as to the validity of the claims he had made.

It had come to the point where they would either receive Christ as savior or reject him sealing their own condemnation.

The wording here is especially interesting in that Paul notes that by opposing the claim that Jesus is the Christ they were in reality opposing not Paul but themselves.

The same is true today. When you call on people to make a decision there will be those who oppose the truth of the gospel and in so doing they actually oppose themselves.

Those who will not receive the truth of the gospel will ultimately face the consequences of their decision and will find themselves condemned and separated from God for all eternity.

Those who refused to believe did not simply reject Paul’s claims they violently opposed them to the point of blasphemy. This is also true today as those who reject the claims of Christianity not only reject them but often speak out in strong opposition to them.

This opposition could have easily led Paul to the conclusion that it was time to move on from Corinth and that there was little hope for the city. Though his ministry to the Jews would now be moved into the background his ministry in Corinth was not finished yet.

Yet God knew all along that Paul would face opposition and rejection but God also knew that there was yet a work to be done in Corinth.

Paul’s Patient Persistence (Vs. 7-11)

Paul surely must have been tempted to move on to more fruitful fields but God speaks to him once again in the night vision, assuring him that there was yet a great work to be done in Corinth.

We do not know the exact circumstances of the opposition that Paul was facing but he must have feared for his safety because of it.

It is likely that the more the church grew among the Gentiles the more opposition Paul could expect from the unbelieving Jews.

Paul remained in Corinth for another 18 months continuing to minister to the people there seeing many of the Corinthians come to Christ and discipling those who had already believed because of his confidence and trust in the Lord’s words.

There may be times when we see little results or times when the opposition is fierce as we labor in service to the Lord, nevertheless if God has called us to a place of service let us remain there until he calls us elsewhere.

God knows exactly what He is doing and He is more than able to lead us to where we need us to be and to protect us until we accomplish the task we have been called to accomplish.

How many missionaries have taken their family into a dangerous environment and yet have experienced peace and prosperity as they carry out the work of the Lord among the people that He has called them to reach.

We can find comfort in knowing that if God has led us to where we are, He will protect and provide for us there until it is time to move on.

Ultimately a large church would be established in the city of Corinth because of Paul’s patience and persistence in obedience to God’s leading.

Conclusion

The overwhelming theme of this passage is that God knows. He knows how to lead us to where we need to be, He knows how to provide and protect us where He leads, and He knows what can be accomplished even when we cannot see it.

The fact that God knows should serve to motivate us to trust God’s guidance and to follow His leading even when it seems to go against our knowledge and understanding of the situation.