TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
Complete Jewish Bible
One night, in a vision, the Lord said to Sha’ul, “Don’t be afraid, but speak right up, and don’t stop,
Berean Standard Bible
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.
American Standard Version
And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace:
World English Bible Messianic
The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent;
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then saide the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Feare not, but speake, and holde not thy peace.
Young's Literal Translation
And the Lord said through a vision in the night to Paul, `Be not afraid, but be speaking and thou mayest be not silent;
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In the KJVVerse 27,567 of 31,102
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Commentary on Acts 18 verses 7–11
7 ¶ And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Here we are told,
I. That Paul changed his quarters. Christ directed his disciples, when he sent them forth, not to go from house to house (Luk 10:7), but there might be occasion to do it, as Paul did here. He departed out of the synagogue, being driven out by the perverseness of the unbelieving Jews, and he entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, Act 18:7. It should seem, he went to this man's house, not to lodge, for he continued with Aquila and Priscilla, but to preach. When the Jews would not let him go on peaceably with his work in their meeting, this honest man opened his doors to him, and told him he should be welcome to preach there; and Paul accepted the proposal. It was not the first time that God's ark had taken up its lodging in a private house. When Paul could not have liberty to preach in the synagogue, he preached in a house, without any disparagement to his doctrine. But observe the account of this man and his house. 1. The man was next door to a Jew; he was one that worshipped God; he was not an idolater, though he was a Gentile, but was a worshipper of the God of Israel, and him only, as Cornelius. That Paul might give the less offence to the Jews, though he had abandoned them, he set up his meeting in this man's house. Even when he was under a necessity of breaking off from them to turn to the Gentiles, yet he would study to oblige them. 2. The house was next door to the synagogue, it joined close to it, which some perhaps might interpret as done with design to draw people from the synagogue to the meeting; but I rather think it was done in charity, to show that he would come as near to them as he could, and was ready to return to them if they were but willing to receive his message, and would not contradict and blaspheme as they had done.
II. That Paul presently saw the good fruit of his labours, both among Jews and Gentiles. 1. Crispus a Jew, an eminent one, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord Jesus, with all his house, Act 18:8. It was for the honour of the gospel that there were some rulers, and persons of the first rank both in church and state, that embraced it. This would leave the Jews inexcusable, that the ruler of their synagogue, who may be supposed to have excelled the rest in knowledge of the scriptures and zeal for their religion, believed the gospel, and yet they opposed and blasphemed it. Not only he, but his house, believed, and, probably, were baptized with him by Paul, Co1 1:14. 2. Many of the Corinthians, who were Gentiles (and some of them persons of bad character, as appears, Co1 6:11, such were some of you), hearing, believed, and were baptized. First, they heard, for faith comes by hearing. Some perhaps came to hear Paul under some convictions of conscience that the way they were in was not right; but it is probable that the most came only for curiosity, because it was a new doctrine that was preached; but, hearing, they believed, by the power of God working upon them; and, believing, they were baptized, and so fixed for Christ, took upon them the profession of Christianity, and became entitled to the privileges of Christians.
III. That Paul was encouraged by a vision to go on with his work at Corinth (Act 18:9): The Lord Jesus spoke to Paul in the night by a vision; when he was musing on his work, communing with his own heart upon his bed, and considering whether he should continue here or no, what method he should take here, and what probability there was of doing good, then Christ appeared very seasonably to him, and in the multitude of his thoughts within him delighted his soul with divine consolations. 1. He renewed his commission and charge to preach the gospel: "Be not afraid of the Jews; though they are very outrageous, and perhaps the more enraged by the conversion of the chief ruler of their synagogue. Be not afraid of the magistrates of the city, for they have no power against thee but what is given them from above. It is the cause of heaven thou art pleading, do it boldly. Be not afraid of their words, nor dismayed at their looks; but speak, and hold not thy peace; let slip no opportunity of speaking to them; cry aloud, spare not. Do not hold thy peace from speaking for fear of them, nor hold thy peace in speaking" (if I may so say); "do not speak shyly and with caution, but plainly and fully and with courage. Speak out; use all the liberty of spirit that becomes an ambassador for Christ." 2. He assured him of his presence with him, which was sufficient to animate him, and put life and spirit into him: "Be not afraid, for I am with thee, to protect thee, and bear thee out, and to deliver thee from all thy fears; speak, and hold not thy peace, for I am with thee, to own what thou sayest, to work with thee, and to confirm the word by signs following." The same promise that ratified the general commission (Mat 28:19, Mat 28:20), Lo I am with you always, is here repeated. Those that have Christ with them need not to fear, and ought not to shrink. 3. He gave him a warrant of protection to save him harmless: "No man shall set on thee to hurt thee; thou shalt be delivered out of the hands of wicked and unreasonable men and shalt not be driven hence, as thou wast from other places, by persecution." He does not promise that no man should set on him (for the next news we hear is that he is set upon, and brought to the judgment-seat, Act 18:12), but, "No man shall set on thee to hurt thee; the remainder of their wrath shall be restrained; thou shalt not be beaten and imprisoned here, as thou wast at Philippi." Paul met with coarser treatment at first than he did afterwards, and was now comforted according to the time wherein he had been afflicted. Trials shall not last always, Psa 66:10-12. Or we may take it more generally: "No man shall set on thee, tou kakōsai se - to do evil to thee; whatever trouble they may give thee, there is no real evil in it. They may kill thee, but they cannot hurt thee; for I am with thee," Psa 23:4; Isa 41:10. 4. He gave him a prospect of success: "For I have much people in this city. Therefore no man shall prevail to obstruct thy work, therefore I will be with thee to own thy work, and therefore do thou go on vigorously and cheerfully in it; for there are many in this city that are to be effectually called by thy ministry, in whom thou shalt see of the travail of thy soul." Laos esti moi polus - There is to me a great people here. The Lord knows those that are his, yea, and those that shall be his; for it is by his work upon them that they become his, and known unto him are all his works. "I have them, though they yet know me not, though yet they are let captive by Satan at his will; for the Father has given them to me, to be a seed to serve me; I have them written in the book of life; I have their names down, and of all that were given me I will lose none; I have them, for I am sure to have them;" whom he did predestinate, those he called. In this city, though it be a very profane wicked city, full of impurity, and the more so for a temple of Venus there, to which there was a great resort, yet in this heap, that seems to be all chaff, there is wheat; in this ore, that seems to be all dross, there is gold. Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in Corinth Christ had much people.
IV. That upon this encouragement he made a long stay there (Act 18:11): He continued at Corinth a year and six months, not to take his ease, but to follow his work, teaching the word of God among them; and, it being a city flocked to from all parts, he had opportunity there of preaching the gospel to strangers, and sending notice of it thence to other countries. He staid so long, 1. For the bringing in of those that were without. Christ had many people there, and by the power of his grace he could have had them all converted in one month or week, as at the first preaching of the gospel, when thousands were enclosed at one cast of the net; but God works variously. The people Christ has at Corinth must be called in by degrees, some by one sermon, others by another; we see not yet all things put under Christ. Let Christ's ministers go on in their duty, though their work be not done all at once; nay, though it be done but a little at a time. 2. For the building up of those that were within. Those that are converted have still need to be taught the word of God, and particular need at Corinth to be taught it by Paul himself; for no sooner was the good seed sown in that field than the enemy came and sowed tares, the false apostles, those deceitful workers, of whom Paul in his epistles to the Corinthians complains so much. When the hands of Jewish persecutors were tied, who were professed enemies to the gospel, Paul had a more vexatious trouble created him, and the church more mischievous damage done it, by the tongue of judaizing preachers, who, under colour of the Christian name, undermined the very foundations of Christianity. Soon after Paul came to Corinth, it is supposed, he wrote the first epistle to the Thessalonians, which in order of time was the first of all the epistles he wrote by divine inspiration; and the second epistle to the same church was written not long after. Ministers may be serving Christ, and promoting the great ends of their ministry, by writing good letters, as well as by preaching good sermons.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–11. Public domain.
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Didymus the BlindAD 398
CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 18.9-11
In Corinth, God appeared in a vision to the apostle and urged him not to be afraid to teach, and he made clear to him the reason why he should speak and not be silent, namely that, in that town, there were many that God knew would receive the proclamation of the gospel. For since it was natural that Paul, being human, was afraid of some attack against himself, seeing that then nearly everyone there was still pagan, God encourages and rouses the teacher to be brave by saying, “I am with you and will prevent anybody from attempting to harm you, so that nobody lays a hand on you.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Acts 39
"Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city." See by how many reasons He persuades him, and how He puts last the reason which of all others most prevailed with him, "I have much people in this city." Now even the number of the "much people" persuaded him, but Christ's claiming them for His own moved him more. Yet He says also, "Fear not": for the danger was become greater now, both because more believed, and also the ruler of the synagogue. This was enough to rouse him. Not that he was reproved as fearing; but that he should not suffer aught; "I am with thee, and none shall set upon thee to hurt thee." For He did not always permit them to suffer evil, that they might not become too weak. For nothing so grieved Paul, as men's unbelief and setting themselves against the Truth: this was worse than the dangers. Therefore it is that Christ appears to him now.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In Acts 18:9, the Apostle Paul, ministering in the bustling and often hostile city of Corinth, receives a direct and powerful divine intervention. Through a night vision, the Lord Jesus Christ personally reassures Paul, commanding him to overcome any fear, to speak boldly, and to persist in proclaiming the Gospel without ceasing, promising His unwavering presence and protection amidst the challenges of his ministry.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Direct Discourse is central, as the Lord's exact words to Paul are quoted, lending immediacy and authority to the divine message. This makes the command personal and undeniable. The use of Imperative Mood in "Be not afraid," "speak," and "hold not thy peace" conveys the authoritative and urgent nature of the Lord's instructions. These are not suggestions but direct commands. Furthermore, the phrase "Be not afraid" followed by "but speak, and hold not thy peace" demonstrates a form of Contrast or Antithesis, setting up the desired courageous action against the natural human inclination towards fear or silence. The negative commands ("not afraid," "hold not thy peace") are a form of Litotes, emphasizing the positive action (courage and speaking) by negating the opposite. Finally, the entire encounter functions as a moment of Divine Intervention, a common motif in biblical narratives where God directly steps into human affairs to guide, protect, or empower His chosen servants.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:9 is a profound testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His servants, particularly when they face daunting challenges. It underscores the truth that divine calling is often accompanied by divine enabling and protection. The Lord's command to "Be not afraid" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, signaling God's presence and sovereignty over circumstances, and empowering His people to fulfill their mission despite opposition. This divine assurance is not a guarantee of an easy path, but a promise of unwavering support and ultimate victory for those who remain faithful in their proclamation of the Gospel. It reminds us that the effectiveness of ministry rests not on human strength or eloquence, but on God's power and faithfulness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:9 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of faith and ministry in a world often hostile to the Gospel. Just as Paul faced intense opposition in Corinth, we too may encounter resistance, ridicule, or apathy when sharing our faith or living out our convictions. This verse reminds us that fear is a natural human emotion, but it is not meant to paralyze us. The Lord's direct intervention to Paul is a powerful reminder that He sees our struggles, knows our fears, and is intimately involved in our lives. His command to "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace" is a call to courageous faithfulness. It challenges us to overcome our anxieties, whether they stem from fear of rejection, inadequacy, or persecution, and to faithfully articulate the truth of the Gospel. Our mission is not to achieve results through our own might, but to be obedient in proclamation, trusting that the Lord Himself will protect us and ensure His word accomplishes its purpose. This verse empowers us to step out in boldness, knowing that the God who called us is also the God who goes with us, ensuring that our voice for Christ is not silenced.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Paul need this vision? Was he afraid?
Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state Paul was "afraid" in the moments leading up to the vision, the Lord's direct command, "Be not afraid," strongly implies that Paul was experiencing apprehension or was vulnerable to it. Paul had just faced intense opposition and blasphemy from the Jews in Corinth, leading him to shake out his garments in protest and declare his turning to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). This dramatic shift, combined with the general hostility of Corinth, could easily induce fear or discouragement in any human, even an apostle. The vision served as a timely and crucial divine reassurance, strengthening Paul for the continued, challenging ministry ahead, reminding him that the Lord was with him and would protect him, as promised in Acts 18:10).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:9, while a specific encouragement to Paul, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing mission of the church, empowered by the very Lord who spoke to Paul. The "Lord" who appeared to Paul in the night vision is Jesus Christ Himself, the resurrected and ascended Son of God, who continues to direct His church. His command to "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace" is a direct echo of His own fearless proclamation of truth in the face of opposition and His commission to His disciples. Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20), a promise that undergirds the Lord's assurance to Paul. Furthermore, the mandate to speak and not be silent reflects Christ's own unwavering witness, even to the point of death on the cross, as described in Philippians 2:8. The protection promised to Paul foreshadows the spiritual protection and ultimate triumph of the church, which Christ declared "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" (Matthew 16:18). Thus, Paul's experience in Acts 18:9 is not merely an isolated historical event, but a living demonstration of the ever-present, empowering, and protective presence of the risen Christ, enabling His followers throughout history to boldly proclaim His saving message.