Even though Paul was an apostle facing intense opposition, the Lord's words reveal that fear and discouragement were real struggles for him, not something he automatically transcended. The repeated command to "speak" and "do not be silent" shows God's direct response to Paul's human vulnerability and the temptation to stop when faced with resistance.
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.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After facing fierce opposition and blasphemy from the Jews in Corinth, Paul dramatically separated himself from them and turned his attention to the Gentiles, finding a new base of operations next door to the synagogue. Despite some initial believers like Crispus, Paul likely felt discouraged by the resistance and perhaps even fearful, given past violent encounters, leading the Lord to appear to him in a vision. This divine reassurance urges Paul to overcome his fear and continue preaching boldly, because God has many people in the city who will believe.
Paul was in Corinth, a bustling, complex city. Despite seeing some belief, the opposition was fierce. He was likely feeling the weight of it all. Have you ever felt like your efforts were hitting a wall?
The Weight of Ministry
The scholars note that Paul likely felt discouraged in Corinth. He faced opposition from both Jews and Gentiles, and the
God's command to Paul wasn't just 'don't be afraid,' but 'go on speaking and do not be silent.' What does this urgent call to vocalize faith mean for us today?
More Than Just Words
The scholars emphasize that the command to 'speak' and 'hold not thy peace' is about more than just talking. It's about boldly proclaiming the gospel, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
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God reassures Paul not just with a command, but with a promise. He reveals He has 'much people' in Corinth. What does this mean for Paul, and what does it mean for us?
The Certainty of the Harvest
The scholars highlight that the assurance of God having 'much people' in Corinth was a key factor in overcoming Paul's fear. It wasn't about Paul's eloquence or the city's receptiveness, but God's sovereign plan.
This promise reassures us that our efforts in sharing faith are not in vain, but are part of God's unfolding redemptive plan.
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.
logos theou · Greek Noun
The divine message or revelation of God, often synonymous with the Gospel, referring to the entire truth God has revealed to humanity through the Scriptures and in the person of Jesus Christ.
This divine word came to Paul during a critical juncture in Corinth, a vibrant but often hostile city. Faced with opposition and perhaps fear of failure, the Lord's direct encouragement reminded Paul that his mission was divinely appointed and protected, ensuring the success of the gospel.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict banishing Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (possibly referring to Christ). This event displaced many Jews, including Aquila and Priscilla, who would later meet Paul.
c. AD 50-51
Paul Arrives in Corinth
Paul arrives in Corinth, a major Roman provincial capital and a hub of commerce and culture. He begins his ministry there, working as a tentmaker alongside Aquila and Priscilla.
c. AD 51
Paul Before Gallio
The Jews in Corinth bring Paul before the proconsul Gallio, accusing him of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. Gallio dismisses the case, an event that likely gave Paul a period of relative safety.
c. AD 51— this verse
Lord's Vision to Paul
In a night vision, the Lord Jesus encourages Paul, telling him not to be afraid and to continue speaking the gospel, as God has many people in Corinth and will protect him.
c. AD 51-52
Paul's Extended Ministry in Corinth
Following the Lord's encouragement and assurance, Paul stays in Corinth for about a year and a half, teaching and strengthening the church there.
c. AD 52
Paul Departs Corinth
After a significant period of ministry, Paul leaves Corinth, having established a strong Christian community. He sails for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
This passage shows Elijah, overwhelmed and fearing for his life, wanting to give up, but God renews his strength and purpose, similar to how Paul is encouraged not to be afraid and to continue speaking.
Jeremiah 1:6-8Jeremiah expresses his fear and inadequacy when called by God, but God reassures him, promising His presence and protection, echoing the Lord's words to Paul in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 1:8-10Paul reflects on a severe trial in Asia that made him despair of life, but God delivered him, highlighting his reliance on God's power to save and his conviction that God would continue to deliver him.
Philippians 1:27-30Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm in the face of opposition, reminding them that suffering for Christ is a privilege and that God grants them perseverance, much like Paul is granted courage to persevere in Corinth.
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 was an apostle facing intense opposition, the Lord's words reveal that fear and discouragement were real struggles for him, not something he automatically transcended. The repeated command to "speak" and "do not be silent" shows God's direct response to Paul's human vulnerability and the temptation to stop when faced with resistance.
After facing fierce opposition and blasphemy from the Jews in Corinth, Paul dramatically separated himself from them and turned his attention to the Gentiles, finding a new base of operations next door to the synagogue. Despite some initial believers like Crispus, Paul likely felt discouraged by the resistance and perhaps even fearful, given past violent encounters, leading the Lord to appear to him in a vision. This divine reassurance urges Paul to overcome his fear and continue preaching boldly, because God has many people in the city who will believe.
After facing fierce opposition and blasphemy from the Jews in Corinth, Paul dramatically separated himself from them and turned his attention to the Gentiles, finding a new base of operations next door to the synagogue. Despite some initial believers like Crispus, Paul likely felt discouraged by the resistance and perhaps even fearful, given past violent encounters, leading the Lord to appear to him in a vision. This divine reassurance urges Paul to overcome his fear and continue preaching boldly, because God has many people in the city who will believe.
"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.” And he stayed a year a…" — Even though Paul was an apostle facing intense opposition, the Lord's words reveal that fear and discouragement were real struggles for him, not something he automatically transcended. The repeated c…
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Last reviewed October 2026
