How are we to understand these words?

And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city."
Acts 18:9-10

“And no man will attack you in order to harm you…” How are we to understand these words? Are they an across the board promise of exemption for all believers in all times that we shall not experience persecution—and harm? Obviously not! God’s people have suffered harm at the hands of those who are not God’s people since Cain slew his brother, Abel. In both the Old and New Testaments (including the record of the Apostle Paul’s life) we read a tidal wave of examples of persecutions of the faithful. And what is Church history but a story of persecution. What then?

Let us remember and understand that even our Lord was persecuted. Let us remember His words that “a student is not above his teacher.” Let us remember that persecution, in varying degrees, is part of what it means to live for God and follow the Lord Jesus.

What these words in Acts 18:10 (along with Psalm 91:9-11*) mean is that even in the midst of persecution, including martyrdom, the persecutors cannot ultimately prevail. Even if our lives are taken, the Lord and His people shall prevail because “the gates of Hades cannot prevail” against Christ’s Church, because He is building it, and He cannot fail.

So let us be confident that even though persecution can be horrific, the Lord is still in control. Let us remember to pray for the persecuted Church around the world, and may we not falter if persecution comes to us—knowing that ultimately, we are safe and secure in His hands.

* Psalm 91:9-11 9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. 10 No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.