Acts 18:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

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:

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Paul's second missionary journey, specifically during his extended stay in Corinth. Prior to this vision, Paul had arrived in Corinth from Athens, where his philosophical discourse had met with limited success. In Corinth, he initially worked as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, while engaging in synagogue ministry on the Sabbath. The narrative highlights a shift when Silas and Timothy arrive, prompting Paul to dedicate himself fully to proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. This intensified preaching led to significant opposition and blasphemy from the Jewish community, causing Paul to declare his intention to turn to the Gentiles (as seen in [Acts 18:1-6](/acts/18-1-6 "Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Turn to Gentiles")). It is precisely at this juncture of heightened spiritual conflict and potential discouragement that the Lord's vision provides crucial divine affirmation and direction, reinforcing Paul's mission and alleviating his fears.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a major Roman provincial capital, a thriving commercial hub, and a notoriously immoral city known for its wealth, diverse population, and pagan worship, particularly the temple of Aphrodite. Its strategic location on an isthmus connecting two seas made it a crossroads of trade and culture, but also a hotbed of various philosophical schools and religious practices, including a significant Jewish diaspora. The atmosphere for Christian evangelism was challenging, marked by both intellectual skepticism and religious hostility. Paul's experience in Corinth, including facing opposition from Jewish leaders (as described in [Acts 18:12-17](/acts/18-12-17 "Paul before Gallio")), reflects the typical reception of the Gospel in a Greco-Roman urban center. The Lord's vision, therefore, serves not only as personal encouragement but also as a divine endorsement of Paul's ministry in such a formidable cultural landscape.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating that God actively directs the steps of His servants, intervening directly when needed, as He did for Peter in [Acts 12:6-11](/acts/12-6-11 "Peter's Miraculous Deliverance from Prison"). Secondly, it highlights the **Necessity of Courage in Proclamation**, showing that despite human fear or opposition, the Gospel must be proclaimed boldly and without reservation. This echoes the early apostles' prayer for boldness in [Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "The Apostles' Prayer for Boldness"). Thirdly, the Lord's promise of protection reinforces the theme of **God's Protection of His Messengers**, assuring Paul that no harm would come to him as long as he remained faithful to his calling, a promise consistent with God's care for His people throughout Scripture, as seen in [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalm/91-1-4 "The Security of One Who Trusts in the Lord"). Finally, it emphasizes the **Unwavering Mandate to Witness**, reinforcing that the mission to spread the Good News is paramount, even in the face of adversity, aligning with the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _épō'_):** This word refers to a definitive utterance, a direct communication. While the KJV translates it as "spake," the underlying Greek verb (G2036) implies a clear, authoritative declaration, often used for divine pronouncements. It signifies that the Lord's message to Paul was not a mere thought or impression, but a distinct and intentional verbal communication, conveying specific commands and assurances.
* **vision (Greek, _hórama'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to gaze at," this term (G3705) denotes something seen, particularly a supernatural sight or revelation. In the biblical context, a "vision" is a divinely granted experience that conveys a message or insight, often in a vivid, pictorial, or auditory manner. Here, it indicates that Paul's encounter with the Lord was a genuine, divinely orchestrated revelation, not a dream or mere imagination, lending absolute authority to the words spoken.
* **afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb (G5399) means "to frighten" or, in the passive, "to be alarmed" or "to fear." When used with a negative particle, as here ("Be not afraid"), it functions as a divine imperative to overcome apprehension, fear, or timidity. It acknowledges Paul's human vulnerability to fear in the face of opposition but simultaneously provides a divine antidote, calling him to trust in God's power rather than succumb to human weakness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision":** This clause establishes the divine origin and supernatural nature of the communication. The timing, "in the night," often signifies a time of quiet and receptivity, but also potentially a time of vulnerability or anxiety. The "vision" confirms that this was a direct, unmistakable revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ to Paul, underscoring its authority and significance for Paul's ministry.
* **"Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:":** This is the core divine command and assurance. "Be not afraid" directly addresses any apprehension Paul might have been experiencing due to the intense opposition. It is a powerful divine reassurance of protection and presence. The subsequent commands, "speak, and hold not thy peace," are twin imperatives emphasizing continuous, bold, and unceasing proclamation of the Gospel. "Hold not thy peace" is a strong negation, meaning "do not be silent," highlighting the urgency and non-negotiable nature of Paul's witness, despite any external pressure or internal fear.

#### 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.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "God's Promise: Fear not, for I am with you")
* [Jeremiah 1:7-8](/jeremiah/1-7-8 "God's Commission to Jeremiah: Speak and Fear Not")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "God's Command to Joshua: Be Strong and Courageous")

### 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
* **What fears or anxieties currently hinder you from speaking about your faith or pursuing God's calling in your life?**
* **How does the Lord's direct command to Paul, "Be not afraid," resonate with your own experiences of needing divine reassurance?**
* **In what practical ways can you "speak, and hold not thy peace" about the Gospel in your current sphere of influence, despite potential opposition?**

### 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](/acts/18-6 "Paul turns from the Jews to the Gentiles")). 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](/acts/18-10 "The Lord's promise of protection to Paul")).

### 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](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise of Presence")), 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](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience unto Death"). 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](/matthew/16-18 "Peter's Confession and the Church's Foundation")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.