Acts 18:10
What does Acts 18:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:10 means
The Lord adds reasons for courage: “I am with you,” “no one will attack to harm you,” and “I have many people in this city.” God’s presence assures; His protection limits adversaries; His purpose guarantees fruit. “Many people” likely means those whom God will bring to faith through the preaching. Paul’s task is to keep speaking because God has planned to save many in Corinth. This verse unveils the divine side of mission—before converts appear, God knows His own. The promise of safety pertains to this season, not a blanket guarantee everywhere, but it gives Paul confidence to continue. Assurance of God’s sovereignty fuels persevering, hopeful ministry.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee: for I have much people in this city.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to harm thee: for I have much people in this city.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I am with you, and no one will make an attack on you to do you damage: for I have a number of people in this town.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because I am with thee, and no one shall set on thee to do thee evil; because I have much people in this city;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because I am with thee and no man shall set upon thee, to hurt thee. For I have much people in this city.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890because I am with thee, and no one shall set upon thee to injure thee; because I have much people in this city.
Context
The second part of the vision explains the command of verse 9. With explicit promises, Paul can settle into long-term teaching in Corinth. The narrative will now say he stayed a year and six months, laying foundations for a strong church. Soon after, a united Jewish effort will attempt to silence him through Roman courts, but the Lord’s earlier word anticipates the outcome: Paul will not be harmed, and the work will go on.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness which is of me, saith Jehovah.
- Romans 10:20
And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9
Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,
- 2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
- 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.
- Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 18
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 18.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…