Populus Meus | My People

"For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:10, NIV).

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As we head  towards the end of 2024, it's good for us to do some introspection. We may ask whether our lives have been a blessing to others and especially to support God's work on earth or not. Today's reflection tells us about how Paul was supported by some people in Corinth during his ministry in many ways.

First, he met Aquila and Priscilla, stayed with them and worked together as tentmakers. They welcomed Paul to live with them. Apart from working, every Saturday Paul had time to come to the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks about the salvation in Christ.

Second, Silas and Timothy came and that enabled him to devote himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. In many other letters written by Paul (for example 1Thessalonians 2:9), he said about Timothy and him working hard together to cover their daily expenses so they won't be a burden to the congregation. This time after they joined Paul in Corinth, he no longer had to think of how to fulfill his daily needs as his friends took care of that. They gave Paul more opportunities to do the most important thing, which was to spread the Good News.

Third, when people in the synagogue opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and left them. He went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, who opened his door for Paul. There Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

One night God spoke to him in a vision as recorded in verse 9 to 10: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So he stayed in Corinth for a year and a half teaching the Word of God.

Dear brothers and sisters, we may have different roles in helping people especially to support God's work. Make sure we take a part, contribute in an area, no matter how small it is. As God notices everything. 

May we end this year and rejoice that we are included in what God said as "My people". Amen. Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year 2025!

Reflection by Desire Litaay on Acts 18:1-17

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