Acts 18:9

9 And the Lord said to Paul ¹one night in ²a vision, ³“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,

Acts 18:9 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision
On a certain night as he was asleep, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream, and spake after this manner to him:

be not afraid;
it is very likely that after the baptism of Crispus and his family, and of many of the Corinthians, that both the Jews and the Gentiles were exasperated against the apostle; and his life might seem to be in danger, and he might be thinking of removing from hence for his preservation and safety; and might be advised to it by his friends, or at least that he should be incognito, and not be seen publicly: wherefore the Lord appears to him, and bids him not indulge any fears, or conceal himself and be silent,

but speak, and hold not thy peace;
preach freely and boldly the Gospel without fear of men; the fear of men should not stop the mouths of Christ's ministers.

Acts 18:9 In-Context

7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.

8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,

10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people. ”

11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Cross References

• 1. 18:9 ch. 23:11; 27:23
• 2. 18:9 [ch. 26:16; 2 Cor. 12:1-4]
• 3. 18:9 ch. 27:24; Josh. 1:5, 6; Jer. 1:8; Matt. 28:20