There can be little doubt that the apostle Paul's spirits were very low at the time God spoke to him these words of encouragement. He had just come from Athens where he had not the success which perhaps he anticipated, 17:32-34. Referring to this time and the frame of mind in which he was when he came to Corinth, Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling," 1 Cor 2:1-3. The basis of God's encouragement to Paul was the declaration "I have much people in this city."