Acts 18:9

9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak 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 all his 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 speak and do not be silent;

10 for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city."

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