Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Then {G1161} spake {G2036} the Lord {G2962} to Paul {G3972} in {G1223} the night {G3571} by {G1722} a vision {G3705}, Be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}, but {G235} speak {G2980}, and {G2532} hold {G4623} not {G3361} thy peace {G4623}:

One night, in a vision, the Lord said to Sha’ul, “Don’t be afraid, but speak right up, and don’t stop,

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.

And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace:

Acts 18:9 records a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth, a significant commercial and cultural center of the Roman Empire. At a time when Paul was likely experiencing considerable opposition and perhaps discouragement, the Lord Himself intervenes with a direct message of divine encouragement and a clear command.

Context

Paul had arrived in Corinth after preaching in Athens, where his message was met with mixed reactions (Acts 17:32-34). In Corinth, he initially worked as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, while also reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath (Acts 18:1-4). However, when Silas and Timothy joined him, Paul dedicated himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Facing strong opposition and blasphemy, Paul dramatically declared he would turn to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). It is in this atmosphere of intense spiritual conflict and potential personal apprehension that the Lord grants him a vision, reinforcing His presence and purpose.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance and Presence: The direct address from the Lord in a vision underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His servants. This personal assurance, "Be not afraid," reminds Paul that he is not alone in his mission and that God's protection is unwavering. This echoes the consistent biblical theme of God's presence with His people, especially in challenging circumstances.
  • Courage in Ministry: Paul, despite his profound faith, was not immune to fear, especially given the intense opposition he faced (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:2). The Lord's command to "Be not afraid" directly addresses this human vulnerability, empowering Paul to overcome any apprehension and continue his vital work.
  • Unwavering Proclamation of the Gospel: The twin commands, "speak, and hold not thy peace," emphasize the imperative nature of proclaiming the Gospel without ceasing. Despite hostility, the message of Christ must continue to be declared boldly and persistently. This highlights the non-negotiable call to witness, regardless of the cost, reflecting the very essence of Paul's ministry to proclaim the Gospel with power.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Be not afraid" (Greek: mē phobou - μὴ φοβοῦ): This phrase is a common divine imperative throughout Scripture, frequently used by God or His angels to calm human fear in the face of daunting tasks or overwhelming circumstances (e.g., Jeremiah 1:8). It signifies a divine reassurance of protection and provision.
  • "hold not thy peace" (Greek: mē sigēsēs - μὴ σιγήσῃς): This is a strong negative command, meaning "do not be silent" or "do not cease speaking." It implies continuous, active, and vocal proclamation, underscoring the urgency and necessity of Paul's ongoing preaching.

Practical Application

Acts 18:9 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing opposition, discouragement, or fear in sharing our faith or pursuing God's calling, this verse reminds us that the Lord is with us. Just as He assured Paul, He also assures us that we are not alone. It calls us to boldly speak the truth, to not be silenced by fear or adversity, and to trust in God's sovereign protection and purpose. Our mission, like Paul's, is to continue to speak the truth of the Gospel, knowing that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 23:11

    And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

  • Ezekiel 2:6

    ¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

  • Ezekiel 2:8

    But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.

  • Ephesians 6:19

    ¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

  • Ephesians 6:20

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • Acts 27:23

    For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

  • Acts 27:25

    Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

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