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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/18-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/44_Act_18_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 18:9 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/18-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/18-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/18-8.htm" title="Acts 18:8">◄</a> Acts 18:9 <a href="/acts/18-10.htm" title="Acts 18:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/18.htm">New International Version</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: &#8220Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. <a href="/nlt/acts/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! <a href="/esv/acts/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, <a href="/bsb/acts/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. <a href="/blb/acts/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now the Lord said to Paul through a vision in the night, "Do not fear, but continue speaking, and do not be silent, <a href="/kjv/acts/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: <a href="/nkjv/acts/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; <a href="/nasb_/acts/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the Lord said to Paul by a vision at night, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; <a href="/nasb/acts/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, &#8220Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; <a href="/nasb77/acts/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; <a href="/lsb/acts/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent; <a href="/amp/acts/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid anymore, but go on speaking and do not be silent; <a href="/csb/acts/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. <a href="/hcsb/acts/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, &#8220Don&#8217t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don&#8217t be silent. <a href="/asv/acts/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace: <a href="/cev/acts/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! <a href="/erv/acts/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: <a href="/gwt/acts/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, "Don't be afraid to speak out! Don't be silent! <a href="/gnt/acts/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord said to him, "Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up, <a href="/isv/acts/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> One night, the Lord told Paul in a vision, "Stop being afraid to speak out! Don't remain silent! <a href="/msb/acts/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ?Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. <a href="/net/acts/18.htm">NET Bible</a> The Lord said to Paul by a vision in the night, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent, <a href="/nheb/acts/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; <a href="/wbt/acts/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: <a href="/wey/acts/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And, in a vision by night, the Lord said to Paul, "Dismiss your fears: go on speaking, and do not give up. <a href="/web/acts/18.htm">World English Bible</a> The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the LORD said through a vision in the night to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but be speaking and you may not be silent; <a href="/blb/acts/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now the Lord said to Paul through a vision in the night, "Do not fear, but continue speaking, and do not be silent, <a href="/ylt/acts/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the Lord said through a vision in the night to Paul, 'Be not afraid, but be speaking and thou mayest be not silent; <a href="/slt/acts/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Lord said through a vision by night to Paul, Fear not, but speak, and thou shouldest not be silent:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord said to Paul in the nights, by a vision: Do not fear, but speak; and hold not thy peace, <a href="/cpdv/acts/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the Lord said to Paul, through a vision in the night: “Do not be afraid. Instead, speak out and do not be silent. <a href="/nabre/acts/18.htm">New American Bible</a> One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, <a href="/nrsvce/acts/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the LORD spoke to Paul in a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and be not silent. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And THE LORD JEHOVAH said in a vision to Paulus, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the Lord spoke to Paul by a vision in the night: Fear not; but speak, and be not silent; <a href="/godbey/acts/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night through a vision, <FR>Fear not, but speak, and be not silent:<Fr> <a href="/haweis/acts/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then spake the Lord in a vision by night to Paul, Fear not, but speak; and hold not thy peace: <a href="/mace/acts/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then the Lord said to Paul in a vision by night, "be not afraid, but speak, and be not silenc'd: <a href="/wey/acts/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And, in a vision by night, the Lord said to Paul, "Dismiss your fears: go on speaking, and do not give up. <a href="/worrell/acts/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the Lord said to Paul, through a vision by night, <FR>"Fear not, but speak, and be not silent;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/acts/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the Lord said to Paul by a vision in the night, <FR>"Fear not, but speak: and be not silent:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/acts/18-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5996" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/18.htm">Paul's Ministry in Corinth</a> …8Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. 9<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">One</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nykti (N-DFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">night</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">spoke</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulō (N-DMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">to Paul</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3705.htm" title="3705: horamatos (N-GNS) -- A spectacle, vision, that which is seen. From horao; something gazed at, i.e. A spectacle.">a vision:</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">“Do not</a> <a href="/greek/5399.htm" title="5399: phobou (V-PMM/P-2S) -- From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.">be afraid;</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalei (V-PMA-2S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">keep on speaking;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/4623.htm" title="4623: siōpēsēs (V-ASA-2S) -- To keep silence, be silent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. From siope; to be dumb; figuratively, to be calm.">be silent.</a> 10For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a> Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/jeremiah/1-8.htm">Jeremiah 1:8</a> Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. <a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a> But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. <a href="/isaiah/43-5.htm">Isaiah 43:5</a> Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a> But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. <a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Ezekiel 2:6</a> But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. <a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17</a> Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. <a href="/matthew/28-10.htm">Matthew 28:10</a> “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.” <a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Isaiah 51:12</a> “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? <a href="/luke/12-11.htm">Luke 12:11-12</a> When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” <a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a> Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” <a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a> Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. <a href="/isaiah/44-8.htm">Isaiah 44:8</a> Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace:spake.<a href="/acts/16-9.htm">Acts 16:9</a> And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.<a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Acts 22:18</a> And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.<a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Acts 23:11</a> 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.Be.<a href="/isaiah/58-1.htm">Isaiah 58:1</a> Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.<a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17</a> Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.<a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Ezekiel 2:6-8</a> 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… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Dismiss</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/acts/10-35.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/acts/17-19.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/acts/13-34.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/acts/16-28.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/acts/17-10.htm">Night</a> <a href="/acts/18-8.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/17-9.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/acts/17-32.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/16-10.htm">Vision</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-9.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/acts/27-24.htm">Dismiss</a> <a href="/acts/18-26.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Fears</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/acts/18-20.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Night</a> <a href="/acts/18-11.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/23-26.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/acts/18-26.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/acts/21-14.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/acts/18-14.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/acts/26-19.htm">Vision</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 18</div>1. <a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Paul labors with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.</a> 9. <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">The Lord encourages him in a vision.</a> 12. <a href="/acts/18-12.htm">He is accused before Gallio the deputy, but is dismissed.</a> 18. <a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Afterwards passing from city to city, he strengthens the disciples.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Apollos, being instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches Christ boldly.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Visions were a common way God communicated with His people in the Bible, as seen with figures like Abraham (<a href="/genesis/15.htm">Genesis 15:1</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/7.htm">Daniel 7:1</a>). This divine encounter emphasizes the personal relationship between God and Paul, affirming Paul's apostolic authority. The setting of "one night" suggests a time of vulnerability or contemplation, possibly reflecting Paul's concerns about his mission in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and idolatry. The Lord's direct communication underscores the importance of Paul's mission and the divine support behind it.Do not be afraid; Fear is a natural human response, especially in the face of opposition or danger. Paul faced significant challenges and hostility in his ministry (<a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Acts 18:6</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3</a>). This command echoes God's reassurance to other biblical figures, such as Joshua (<a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a>) and Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a>), highlighting a consistent biblical theme of divine encouragement in the face of fear. It reassures believers of God's presence and protection.keep on speaking; Paul's primary mission was to preach the Gospel, as seen throughout Acts (<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>, <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Acts 13:47</a>). This directive emphasizes the importance of perseverance in ministry despite opposition. It reflects the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>) and the call to spread the Gospel to all nations. The continuous action implied by "keep on" suggests ongoing effort and dedication, reinforcing the idea that the proclamation of the Gospel is a lifelong commitment.do not be silent. Silence in the face of opposition can be tempting, but this command underscores the necessity of vocal witness. It aligns with Paul's own declarations of boldness in preaching (<a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a>, <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a>). The call to not be silent is a reminder of the power of the spoken word in spreading the Gospel and the responsibility of believers to share their faith actively. It also reflects the prophetic tradition where God's messengers were often called to speak out against injustice and proclaim truth, regardless of the consequences.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle and missionary who is the central figure in this passage. He is in Corinth, spreading the Gospel and facing opposition. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, who appears to Paul in a vision to provide encouragement and instruction. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece known for its commerce and diverse population. It was a challenging environment for early Christian evangelism due to its cultural and religious diversity. 4. <a href="/topical/v/vision.htm">Vision</a> A supernatural encounter where God communicates directly with Paul, providing guidance and reassurance. 5. <a href="/topical/o/opposition.htm">Opposition</a> The resistance Paul faces from both Jews and Gentiles in Corinth, which is a common theme in his missionary journeys.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_encouragement_in_ministry.htm">Divine Encouragement in Ministry</a> Just as Paul received encouragement from the Lord, believers today can find strength in God's promises when facing challenges in ministry or personal life. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perseverance.htm">The Importance of Perseverance</a> Paul's instruction to "keep on speaking" highlights the importance of perseverance in sharing the Gospel, even when faced with opposition. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_fear_with_faith.htm">Overcoming Fear with Faith</a> The command "do not be afraid" serves as a reminder that faith in God's presence and power can overcome fear. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_visions_and_divine_guidance.htm">The Role of Visions and Divine Guidance</a> While not everyone receives visions, God still guides and encourages His people through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_presence.htm">The Power of God's Presence</a> The assurance of God's presence empowers believers to continue their mission with confidence and boldness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 18</a> <a href="/q/can_paul's_vision_be_verified_outside_luke.htm">Acts 18:9 – Can Paul’s claimed divine vision be independently verified, or does it rely solely on Luke’s narrative? </a> <a href="/q/is_paul_a_false_prophet.htm">Is Paul a false prophet?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_an_epiphany.htm">What defines an epiphany?</a> <a href="/q/events_in_corinth_and_ephesus_for_paul.htm">What events occurred during Paul's time in Corinth and Ephesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Then spake the Lord to Paul.--We note the recurrence of these visions at each great crisis of the Apostle's life. He had seen the Lord at his conversion (<a href="/context/acts/9-4.htm" title="And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?">Acts 9:4-6</a>), he had heard the same voice and seen the same form in his trance in the Temple at Jerusalem (<a href="/acts/22-17.htm" title="And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;">Acts 22:17</a>). Now he saw and heard them once more. "In visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men," he passed from the strife of tongues into the presence of the Divine Friend. The words "Be not afraid" imply that he too was subject to fear and depression, and felt keenly the trial of seeming failure and comparative isolation. His converts came chiefly from the slave or freed-man class, and those of a culture like his own, whether Greeks or Jews, were slow to accept his preaching (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" title="For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:">1Corinthians 1:26-27</a>). And then, too, he carried, as it were, his life in his hands. The reviling of the Jews might any hour burst into furious violence or deliberate plots of assassination. No wonder that he needed the gracious words, "Be not afraid." The temptation of such a moment of human weakness was to fall back, when words seem fruitless, into the safety of silence, and therefore the command followed, "Speak, and hold not thy peace." We are reminded of the like passing mood of discouragement in one great crisis of Elijah's life (<a href="/context/1_kings/19-4.htm" title="But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.">1Kings 19:4-14</a>), yet more, perhaps, of its frequent recurrence in Jeremiah (<a href="/context/jeremiah/1-6.htm" title="Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.">Jeremiah 1:6-8</a>; <a href="/context/jeremiah/15-15.htm" title="O LORD, you know: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in your long-suffering: know that for your sake I have suffered rebuke.">Jeremiah 15:15-21</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - And the Lord said unto for then spake the Lord to, A.V. A vision (ὅραμα); literally, a thing seen, but always used of a wonderful "sight:" <a href="/matthew/17-9.htm">Matthew 17:9</a> of the Transfiguration, <a href="/acts/7-31.htm">Acts 7:31</a> of the burning bush. But more commonly of a "vision," as in <a href="/acts/9-10.htm">Acts 9:10, 12</a>; <a href="/acts/10-3.htm">Acts 10:3, 17, 19</a>; <a href="/acts/11-5.htm">Acts 11:5</a>; <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Acts 12:9</a>; <a href="/acts/16-9.htm">Acts 16:9</a>. So in the LXX. (<a href="/genesis/46-2.htm">Genesis 46:2</a>, etc.). St. Paul received a similar gracious token of the Lord's watchful care of him soon after his conversion (<a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17-21</a>). He tells us that then he was in an "ecstasy," or trance. The ἔκστασις describes the mental condition of the person who sees an ὅραμαα. <a href="/commentaries/acts/18-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>One δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. night νυκτὶ (nykti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κύριος (Kyrios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. spoke Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to Paul Παύλῳ (Paulō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. in δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. a vision: ὁράματος (horamatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3705.htm">Strong's 3705: </a> A spectacle, vision, that which is seen. From horao; something gazed at, i.e. A spectacle. “{Do} not Μὴ (Mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. be afraid; φοβοῦ (phobou) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5399.htm">Strong's 5399: </a> From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. keep on speaking; λάλει (lalei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. be silent. σιωπήσῃς (siōpēsēs) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4623.htm">Strong's 4623: </a> To keep silence, be silent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. From siope; to be dumb; figuratively, to be calm. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 18:9 The Lord said to Paul (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/18-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 18:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 18:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/18-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 18:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 18:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>