I Have Many in This City”
Paul departed Athens’ shore,
Came to Corinth seeking more.
There he met Aquila’s name,
With Priscilla by his side the same.
Expelled from Rome by Caesar’s word,
Tentmakers like him they were.
He worked by day with skillful hand,
Reasoned Sabbath in that land.
When Silas and Timothy came,
Paul devoted to proclaim
That Jesus is the promised Christ,
From Scripture shown and testified.
But when opposed and words reviled,
He shook his garments, reconciled:
“Your blood be on your heads,” he said,
“I now to Gentiles will be led.”
He left and went next door to teach,
To Titius Justus within reach.
Crispus, ruler of the synagogue,
Believed with all his household.
Many Corinthians heard and turned,
Baptized as their hearts were stirred.
Chorus
Do not fear, but speak My Word.
I am with you, says the Lord.
No hand shall harm what I ordain —
My people here shall hear My Name.
At night the Lord in vision came,
“Do not be silent, do not wane.
I am with you; stand and stay.
I have many in this place.”
So a year and six months more
He taught the Word from door to door.
When Gallio took the seat
As proconsul in judgment seat,
The Jews brought Paul with sharp complaint,
“He persuades men against restraint.”
But Gallio would not decide
Religious matters brought in pride.
He drove them from the court that day,
Unmoved by what they tried to say.
They seized Sosthenes instead,
Beat him where the charges led.
Gallio paid it no regard —
The mission moved though hearts were hard.
Paul stayed many days beyond,
Then sailed with vows not yet undone.
In Cenchrea he cut his hair,
A vow completed there in prayer.
With Aquila and Priscilla too,
To Ephesus his path then drew.
He reasoned briefly in that place,
Promised, “If God wills, I’ll return by grace.”
Through Caesarea he made his way,
Greeted the church and did not stay.
Down to Antioch once again —
Journey’s circle reached its end.
Apollos came from Egypt’s side,
Eloquent and Scripture-wise.
He knew John’s baptism well,
Spoke with zeal what he could tell.
Priscilla and Aquila heard,
Explained more fully of the Lord.
In Achaia he preached with might,
Proving Jesus was the Christ.
Chorus
Do not fear, but speak My Word.
Across each city it is heard.
Through faithful work and patient stand,
The risen King builds every land.
