And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Paul had seen great success in Corinth, the Lord appears to him in a vision not just to tell him not to be afraid, but to explicitly command him to "go on speaking and do not be silent." This shows that even for someone like Paul, who was so often bold, there were moments of deep discouragement and fear that required divine intervention to overcome.
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After facing harsh opposition and blasphemy from the Jews, Paul decided to leave them and focus on ministering to the Gentiles. He moved his ministry next door to a synagogue, and even though he saw some success with prominent figures like Crispus believing, the hostility likely made him feel afraid and uncertain about continuing his work in Corinth. God intervened in a vision during the night to encourage Paul, telling him not to be afraid and to keep preaching boldly.
Ever felt like your best efforts are falling flat? Paul was there, facing opposition and doubt in a bustling, skeptical city.
Corinth was a tough place for the gospel. Imagine Paul, likely feeling isolated and discouraged after facing intense opposition from the Jews.
God didn't just tell Paul to keep going; He gave him powerful reasons why he shouldn't fear.
In Corinth, Paul faced not only intellectual and cultural barriers but also the real threat of violence. The Lord's vision was a divine intervention to bolster his spirit.
Ask a follow-up
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.
eimi (meta sou) · Greek Verb
A theological concept affirming the constant presence, support, and protection of God with His chosen people. It is the basis for courage and perseverance in ministry.
laos · Greek Noun
Refers to those whom God has chosen and called as His own. It highlights the intimate relationship and covenantal bond between God and His people throughout history.
This divine reassurance came at a critical juncture for Paul in Corinth, a bustling but morally corrupt city where he faced intense opposition from the Jewish community and likely felt isolated and fearful, despite early successes.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's Ministry in Corinth Begins
After facing opposition in Thessalonica and Berea, Paul arrives in Corinth, a wealthy Roman port city, and begins his ministry, initially focusing on the Jewish community.
c. AD 50
Opposition from the Jews
The unbelieving Jews in Corinth vehemently oppose Paul's message, leading to a confrontation. Paul shakes out his garments as a sign of separation and declares he will turn to the Gentiles.
c. AD 50
Paul Relocates His Ministry
Paul moves his teaching to the house of Titius Justus, a Gentile worshipper of God, located next to the synagogue, indicating a shift in his primary audience.
c. AD 50-51
Conversion of Crispus and Others
Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and many other Corinthians believe and are baptized, showing significant fruit from Paul's ministry despite opposition.
c. AD 51— this verse
Lord's Vision to Paul
In a night vision, the Lord Jesus reassures Paul, telling him not to be afraid or silent, promising protection, and revealing that He has many people in the city.
c. AD 51
Paul's Extended Stay in Corinth
Encouraged by the vision and the assurance of God's presence and plan, Paul stays in Corinth for a year and six months, actively teaching the word of God.
c. AD 51
Paul Departs Corinth
Paul leaves Corinth, likely having established a strong church, and sails for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
This passage parallels Elijah's despair and God's gentle, yet firm, encouragement to continue his ministry, much like Paul's experience in Corinth.
Jeremiah 1:6-8Jeremiah expresses his youth and fear, but God reassures him, commanding him to speak boldly and promising His presence, mirroring the Lord's words to Paul.
2 Corinthians 2:3-4Paul himself refers to his state in Corinth, describing his 'weakness and fear, and much trembling,' which directly aligns with the vision God gave him to overcome such feelings.
Matthew 28:20Jesus' promise, 'I am with you always, to the end of the age,' is the foundational assurance that underpins God's specific promise to Paul that He would be with him.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5Paul deliberately contrasts his preaching in Corinth with worldly wisdom, emphasizing his reliance on the power of God, a commitment reinforced by the Lord's encouragement in Acts 18:9.
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…
Even though Paul had seen great success in Corinth, the Lord appears to him in a vision not just to tell him not to be afraid, but to explicitly command him to "go on speaking and do not be silent." This shows that even for someone like Paul, who was so often bold, there were moments of deep discouragement and fear that required divine intervention to overcome.
After facing harsh opposition and blasphemy from the Jews, Paul decided to leave them and focus on ministering to the Gentiles. He moved his ministry next door to a synagogue, and even though he saw some success with prominent figures like Crispus believing, the hostility likely made him feel afraid and uncertain about continuing his work in Corinth. God intervened in a vision during the night to encourage Paul, telling him not to be afraid and to keep preaching boldly.
After facing harsh opposition and blasphemy from the Jews, Paul decided to leave them and focus on ministering to the Gentiles. He moved his ministry next door to a synagogue, and even though he saw some success with prominent figures like Crispus believing, the hostility likely made him feel afraid and uncertain about continuing his work in Corinth. God intervened in a vision during the night to encourage Paul, telling him not to be afraid and to keep preaching boldly.
"And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 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.”" — Even though Paul had seen great success in Corinth, the Lord appears to him in a vision not just to tell him not to be afraid, but to explicitly command him to "go on speaking and do not be silent."…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026