18:10a

For: This word introduces the reason for Paul to not be afraid and to continue speaking to people about Jesus. For example:

because (NET Bible)

Some English versions allow the context to imply the connection and do not translate the Greek word.

I am with you: This clause indicates that Jesus supported Paul, empowered him, guided him, and helped him. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to physical presence. If that is true in your language, translate in a way that includes the correct meaning. For example:

I support you
-or-
I will help you always

no one will lay a hand on you: The Greek words here are literally “no one will attack you to harm you.” The goal of the words lay a hand on is to do harm. The Jews opposed Paul and brought him to court (18:12), but they were unable to harm him. So this attack did not result in harm to Paul. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

no one will lay a hand on you to harm you (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
no one will attack you that will result in harm to you
-or-
no attack shall harm you (Revised English Bible)

lay a hand on: Here the words lay a hand on refers to coming against someone for the purpose of harming them. Other ways to translate this word are:

fight
-or-
come/be against

18:10b

because I have many people in this city: The word because introduces the second reason for Paul to not be afraid and to continue speaking to people about Jesus. For example:

⌊Do not be afraid and continue to speak⌋ because I have many people in this city
-or-

⌊Do those things⌋ because I have many people in this city

Some English versions allow the context to imply the connection and do not translate the Greek word. They separate this reason from the promise of a lack of harm by starting a new sentence. For example:

Many people in this city belong to me. (Contemporary English Version)

I have many people in this city: This clause in Greek is literally “a (group of) people to me is big in this city.” It indicates that Jesus has already chosen many people in Corinth to become believers. It encouraged Paul to preach because many people would become believers. Other ways to translate this clause are:

there are many in this city who are my people (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Many people in this city are ready to become my people

people: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as people indicates that Jesus has chosen a group of people from the Jews and Gentiles to believe in him. They together become God’s people in Jesus. For example:

my people (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this word in 15:14.

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