And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord's word to Paul isn't just about courage; it’s a divine reminder that fear is the enemy of proclamation. By commanding him to "speak and not be silent," Jesus directly links Paul's boldness to overcoming his fear, promising his presence not to prevent all hardship, but to ensure those God has chosen will indeed be reached.
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul had just faced intense opposition and blasphemy from the unbelieving Jews in Corinth, leading him to shake out his garments in a dramatic gesture of turning to the Gentiles. Despite some notable conversions, like that of the synagogue leader Crispus, the hostility likely left Paul feeling fearful and discouraged about continuing his ministry in the city. In this moment of doubt and potential danger, the Lord appears to Paul in a vision to strengthen his resolve.
Even the Apostle Paul faced moments of fear and doubt. When words seemed to fail and opposition mounted, God met him in a vision, offering a powerful message of reassurance.
Corinth was a tough place for ministry. Paul encountered fierce opposition from the Jews, and even though some Corinthians believed, the general atmosphere was one of resistance and potential danger. He likely felt discouraged, perhaps even questioning his effectiveness or safety.
Why did God tell Paul not to be afraid? It wasn't just a command, but an assurance rooted in who God is and His specific plans for Corinth.
The command to 'speak and do not be silent' is directly linked to divine promises that tackle the root of Paul's potential fear:
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Understand the original words
horama · Greek Noun
A supernatural revelation from God to a human being, conveying divine guidance, warning, or comfort. It is a way God communicates His will directly.
phobou · Greek Verb
A fundamental command given by God to His servants to overcome the natural human reaction of terror in the face of opposition or danger. It implies that trust in God's presence should override human fear.
This vision wasn't just a general encouragement; it directly addressed Paul's fear and discouragement stemming from intense opposition and the intimidating, cosmopolitan nature of Corinth, assuring him that God's presence and purpose would ensure his safety and the success of his mission there.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's Ministry in Corinth Begins
Paul arrives in Corinth, a major Roman city, and begins his ministry, establishing a church there.
c. AD 50
Expulsion of Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels Jews from Rome, an event that likely caused Jewish refugees, including Priscilla and Aquila, to settle in Corinth.
c. AD 50-51
Opposition from Unbelieving Jews
Paul faces significant opposition and blasphemy from the unbelieving Jewish community in Corinth, leading him to shake out his clothes in a gesture of separation.
c. AD 51— this verse
Vision and Divine Reassurance
The Lord appears to Paul in a vision, encouraging him not to be afraid, to continue speaking boldly, and assuring him of divine protection and a significant harvest of souls in Corinth.
c. AD 51-52
Extended Ministry in Corinth
Encouraged by the vision, Paul stays in Corinth for a year and six months, teaching the word of God and solidifying the church there.
c. AD 52
Paul Departs Corinth
Paul leaves Corinth after a substantial period of ministry, having established a strong Christian community and potentially ministering in surrounding areas of Achaia.
Like Paul in Corinth, the prophet Jeremiah felt inadequate and afraid when called by God, but God assured him of His presence and commanded him to speak His word without fear.
1 Kings 19:4-14Elijah, overwhelmed and fearing for his life, also experienced discouragement and a desire to withdraw, but God met him in his despair and renewed his commission.
2 Corinthians 2:3-4Paul himself later reflected on his time in Corinth, admitting he was with them in weakness, fear, and trembling, highlighting the very real human struggle that necessitated God's divine encouragement here.
Matthew 28:20The Lord's promise to Paul, 'I am with you,' echoes His Great Commission to all disciples, assuring them of His constant presence as they go and speak His word to the world.
Isaiah 41:10This passage offers a timeless assurance that God is with His people, strengthening them and helping them, so they need not fear when facing opposition or adversity.
ellicottActs 18:9: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:"
(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 ( Acts 9:4-6 ), he had heard the same voice and seen the same form in his trance in the Temple at Jerusalem ( Acts 22:17 ). Now he saw and heard them once more. “In visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men,” he…
barnesActs 18:9: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:"
By a vision - Compare the notes on Acts 9:10 ; Acts 16:9 . Be not afraid - Perhaps Paul might have been intimidated by the learning, refinement, and splendor of Corinth; perhaps embarrassed in view of his duty of addressing the rich, the polite, and the great. To this he may allude in 1 Corinthians 2:3; "And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." In such…
The Lord's word to Paul isn't just about courage; it’s a divine reminder that fear is the enemy of proclamation. By commanding him to "speak and not be silent," Jesus directly links Paul's boldness to overcoming his fear, promising his presence not to prevent all hardship, but to ensure those God has chosen will indeed be reached.
Paul had just faced intense opposition and blasphemy from the unbelieving Jews in Corinth, leading him to shake out his garments in a dramatic gesture of turning to the Gentiles. Despite some notable conversions, like that of the synagogue leader Crispus, the hostility likely left Paul feeling fearful and discouraged about continuing his ministry in the city. In this moment of doubt and potential danger, the Lord appears to Paul in a vision to strengthen his resolve.
Paul had just faced intense opposition and blasphemy from the unbelieving Jews in Corinth, leading him to shake out his garments in a dramatic gesture of turning to the Gentiles. Despite some notable conversions, like that of the synagogue leader Crispus, the hostility likely left Paul feeling fearful and discouraged about continuing his ministry in the city. In this moment of doubt and potential danger, the Lord appears to Paul in a vision to strengthen his resolve.
"And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent," — The Lord's word to Paul isn't just about courage; it’s a divine reminder that fear is the enemy of proclamation. By commanding him to "speak and not be silent," Jesus directly links Paul's boldness t…
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Last reviewed October 2026