Acts 18:10

KJV

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1360} I {G1473} am {G1510} with {G3326} thee {G4675}, and {G2532} no man {G3762} shall set on {G2007} thee {G4671} to hurt {G2559} thee {G4571}: for {G1360} I {G3427} have {G2076} much {G4183} people {G2992} in {G1722} this {G5026} city {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because I am with you. No one will succeed in harming you, for I have many people in this city.”

Berean Standard Bible

For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

American Standard Version

for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee: for I have much people in this city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:10 records a pivotal divine assurance given to the Apostle Paul during his challenging ministry in Corinth, a bustling and often hostile city. In a night vision, the Lord declared His unwavering presence, guaranteed Paul's protection from fatal harm, and revealed His sovereign purpose to gather a great number of people for Himself within that very city. This profound revelation served to embolden Paul, reaffirming the divine backing for his evangelistic mission despite intense opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a crucial turning point in Paul's ministry in Corinth. Having arrived from Athens, where his philosophical approach yielded limited fruit ([Acts 17:32-34](/acts/17-32-34 "Paul's Sermon in Athens and Its Reception")), Paul initially worked as a tentmaker alongside Aquila and Priscilla ([Acts 18:1-3](/acts/18-1-3 "Paul Arrives in Corinth and Meets Aquila and Priscilla")). His ministry intensified when Silas and Timothy joined him, allowing him to devote himself fully to preaching ([Acts 18:5](/acts/18-5 "Silas and Timothy Join Paul in Corinth")). However, this led to significant opposition from the Jewish community, who "opposed themselves, and blasphemed" ([Acts 18:6](/acts/18-6 "Jewish Opposition to Paul in Corinth")). It was in this atmosphere of escalating hostility and potential discouragement that the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, delivering the powerful words of encouragement found in [Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "The Lord's Vision to Paul in Corinth"), commanding him to "be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace." The promise of divine presence and protection in verse 10 directly addresses Paul's apprehension and serves as the foundation for his continued, fruitful ministry in Corinth for a year and six months ([Acts 18:11](/acts/18-11 "Paul Stays in Corinth for a Year and Six Months")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman provincial capital, a thriving commercial hub situated on a narrow isthmus connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese. Its strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures, religions, and trades, but also notorious for its moral laxity and idolatry, often epitomized by the worship of Aphrodite. The city's diverse population included a significant Jewish diaspora, who, as elsewhere, initially provided Paul with a platform for evangelism in the synagogue ([Acts 18:4](/acts/18/4 "Paul Preaches in the Synagogue at Corinth")). However, their rejection of the Gospel often led to fierce opposition, sometimes escalating to violence, as seen in other cities like Thessalonica and Berea ([Acts 17:5-13](/acts/17-5-13 "Jewish Opposition in Thessalonica and Berea")). Paul, having experienced such hostility previously, would have been acutely aware of the dangers inherent in preaching the Gospel in such a volatile environment. The Lord's vision directly addresses this context of potential physical harm and spiritual discouragement, providing the necessary divine mandate and assurance for Paul to persist in his mission within this challenging urban landscape.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 18:10](/acts/18-10 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul in Corinth") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God in Missions**. The declaration "I have much people in this city" reveals God's foreknowledge and active work in preparing hearts for the Gospel, demonstrating that the success of evangelism is ultimately God's work, not merely human effort. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Presence and Protection** for God's servants. The "I am with thee" echoes ancient covenant promises ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel"), [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "God's Promise of Help to Israel")), assuring Paul that he is not alone and will be divinely shielded for the completion of his specific task in Corinth. This theme is crucial throughout Acts, as apostles frequently face persecution but are providentially protected until their work is done ([Acts 12:1-11](/acts/12-1-11 "Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison")). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Necessity of Bold Proclamation** despite opposition. Paul is commanded to "speak, and hold not thy peace" ([Acts 18:9](/acts/18-9 "The Lord Commands Paul to Speak Boldly")), and the divine assurance in verse 10 provides the courage to obey, illustrating that God's promises empower believers to overcome fear and faithfully declare the Gospel, even in the face of significant resistance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eimí (Greek, _eimí'_):** Translated as "am" in "I am with thee." This is the first person singular present indicative of the verb "to be." In this context, it signifies God's absolute, active, and enduring presence with Paul. It's not merely a statement of location but an emphatic declaration of divine companionship and active support, echoing the divine self-identification "I AM" from the Old Testament ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "God Reveals His Name to Moses")).
* **epitíthēmi (Greek, _epitíthēmi'_):** Translated as "shall set on" in "no man shall set on thee." This verb means "to impose," "to lay upon," or "to attack." It implies a hostile, aggressive act, suggesting a physical assault or an attempt to harm Paul. The Lord's promise directly addresses the threat of such violent opposition, assuring Paul that no one will succeed in inflicting harm that would impede his ministry.
* **laós (Greek, _laós'_):** Translated as "people" in "I have much people in this city." This term refers to "a people in general," distinguishing it from a specific populace or ethnic group. In this context, it signifies a large group of individuals, currently unsaved, whom God sovereignly intends to call to Himself through Paul's evangelistic efforts. It highlights God's pre-ordained plan for salvation and His active work in drawing people from all backgrounds into His kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I am with thee":** This opening clause establishes the foundational promise of divine presence. It is a deeply personal and comforting assurance from the Lord to Paul, indicating that God is not a distant observer but an active, intimate companion in Paul's ministry. This presence implies divine support, strength, and enablement for the daunting task ahead.
* **"and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee":** Building upon the promise of presence, this clause provides a specific guarantee of protection. The phrase "no man" (G3762 _oudeís_) signifies an absolute negation – not a single individual will be able to successfully "set on" (attack or lay hands on) Paul with the intent to "hurt" (injure or vex) him in a way that would prevent him from fulfilling his mission in Corinth. This is a divinely ordained immunity for a specific purpose and duration.
* **"for I have much people in this city":** This final clause reveals the profound reason behind the divine presence and protection: God's sovereign salvific purpose. The Lord declares His foreknowledge and intention to bring a "much people" (a great multitude) in Corinth to faith. This statement underscores that Paul's safety is not an end in itself, but a means to an end – the effective proclamation of the Gospel to those whom God has chosen to save in that city. It provides the ultimate motivation for Paul's perseverance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Speech** is central, as the words are a direct revelation from the Lord to Paul, imbuing them with absolute authority and truth. The use of **Assurance** is paramount, as the Lord's declarations ("I am with thee," "no man shall set on thee") are designed to instill courage and eliminate fear in Paul. This assurance is coupled with **Motivation**, as the divine purpose ("for I have much people in this city") provides a compelling reason for Paul to continue his difficult work. The phrase "no man shall set on thee" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Absolute Language**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's protective shield, ensuring that no hostile action will succeed in thwarting Paul's divinely appointed mission in Corinth. This absolute promise serves to strengthen Paul's resolve and underscore the invincibility of God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:10 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan, particularly through the evangelistic efforts of His chosen servants. It underscores the truth that Christian ministry is not merely human endeavor but a divine enterprise, undergirded by God's sovereign presence, protection, and purpose. The Lord's declaration "I am with thee" echoes the covenantal promise of Emmanuel, God with us, signifying that His presence is the ultimate source of strength and courage in the face of adversity. Furthermore, the assurance of protection, "no man shall set on thee to hurt thee," reveals God's commitment to preserving His instruments until His purposes are fulfilled, demonstrating that His protective hand is precise and purposeful. Most significantly, the reason given, "for I have much people in this city," unveils the divine foresight and election, emphasizing that God has a harvest of souls awaiting the Gospel in every place, thereby validating and motivating sustained evangelism. This verse reminds believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain, for God is actively at work, drawing His elect to Himself through the faithful proclamation of His Word.

* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise of Presence")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "God's Promise of Help and Strength")
* [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "Jesus' Other Sheep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:10 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating the challenges of faith and ministry in a hostile world. When fear threatens to paralyze us, or opposition seems insurmountable, this verse reminds us that the Lord's presence is not merely a theological concept but a living reality for those who walk in His will. Just as He was with Paul, empowering him to speak boldly despite threats, so too is He with us, enabling us to stand firm, share our faith, and live out our calling. We are not called to be fearless in our own strength, but to be courageous because of His abiding presence and protective hand. This divine assurance does not promise an absence of hardship, but rather a guarantee that no opposition will ultimately thwart God's purposes for our lives or His kingdom. The knowledge that God "has much people" in every city, workplace, and community should ignite within us a renewed passion for evangelism, transforming our perception of seemingly barren ground into fields ripe for harvest. Our faithfulness in sharing the Gospel becomes the very means through which God gathers His elect, making our efforts deeply significant and eternally impactful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you currently feel fear or apprehension, and how might the Lord's promise, "I am with thee," speak to those fears?**
* **How does the assurance of God's protection, even amidst opposition, empower you to persevere in your calling or witness?**
* **Considering that God "has much people" in your sphere of influence, how does this truth motivate you to engage more intentionally in evangelism or discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Does God's promise "no man shall set on thee to hurt thee" mean that believers will never experience suffering or persecution?**

Answer: No, this promise in [Acts 18:10](/acts/18-10 "The Lord's Assurance to Paul in Corinth") should not be interpreted as a blanket guarantee against all suffering or persecution for believers. Paul himself, despite this promise, endured immense hardship, including beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ"). The specific context of Acts 18:10 indicates a divine assurance of protection for Paul's ministry in Corinth, ensuring that no one would succeed in prematurely ending his work or fatally harming him *in that specific city*, because God had a specific purpose for him there ("I have much people in this city"). It was a promise of preservation for the accomplishment of a particular divine mission, not an exemption from all future trials or martyrdom. For believers today, it implies that God will protect His servants and their work until His purposes for them are fulfilled, even if it means enduring suffering that ultimately serves His greater plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Lord's declaration, "For I am with thee," is a profound echo of the New Covenant promise of **Emmanuel**—"God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "The Prophecy of Emmanuel")). This promise of divine presence is not merely a temporary assurance to Paul, but a foundational truth for all who are in Christ, guaranteed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send as a Helper and Comforter ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit")). Christ's post-resurrection commission to His disciples, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission")), directly fulfills this Old Testament and Acts-era promise, ensuring that His presence empowers His church for global evangelism. Furthermore, the protection promised to Paul—"no man shall set on thee to hurt thee"—foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all hostile powers. While believers may face persecution, Christ has disarmed principalities and powers through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and He promises that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Jesus' Promise Regarding the Church")). Finally, the reason for Paul's protection, "for I have much people in this city," points directly to Christ as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and has "other sheep" He must bring into His fold ([John 10:11, 16](/john/10-11-16 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The gathering of these "much people" in Corinth, and indeed throughout history, is the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit, building His Church and fulfilling His redemptive purpose to draw people from every tribe and tongue to Himself ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "The Great Multitude Before the Throne")). Thus, Acts 18:10 is not just a historical anecdote but a living testament to Christ's sovereign power, abiding presence, and unwavering commitment to gather His elect until the consummation of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Exodus 4:12

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

2 Timothy 4:22

The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit. Grace [be] with you. Amen.