Acts 18:9

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t 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 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue.

8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!

10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”

11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.