I have many people in this city (2/3)

Encouragement in Corinth. Before he went to Corinth Paul probably spent no more than half a year in any one place. The pattern now changed. He spent more than 18 months in Corinth. Persecution had forced Paul to leave cities like Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. He may well have worried that the same would happen in Corinth. Already the pattern of resistance had begun in the synagogue (v6). His fears were allayed by a vision from the Lord. Paul had already experienced divine appearances that strengthened him and encouraged him in his ministry. These always occurred at critical junctures like his original commission (9:10-18) and his Macedonian call (16:6-10). From the very start Paul had misgivings about witnessing in Corinth. (1 Cor 2:3) Encouraged by the Lord, Paul now continued in the city for a lengthy and fruitful ministry. The Lord assured him that no-one would harm or hinder him in his witness.