Bible Strands
Acts 18:9
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Lord addresses Paul during a nocturnal vision, immediately following the conversion of synagogue leader Crispus and many Corinthians.
The words — ὁράματος (horamatos) = vision and εἶπεν (eipen) = said mark the specific medium and action of the divine message that interrupts Paul’s situation.
The thread — This pattern of nocturnal divine reassurance for continued proclamation appears in Acts 23:11, where the Lord stands near Paul to encourage his testimony, and aligns with the prophetic command not to fear in Ezekiel 2:6 and the apostolic request for bold speech in Ephesians 6:19.
Why it lands — It commands the listener to persist in speaking the message despite fear, grounding the action in the stated promise of divine presence rather than in personal courage.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
Cross-references
- Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”
- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- Ezekiel 2:6 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.
- Acts 27:23 For just last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me
- Jeremiah 1:17 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.
- Micah 3:8 As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.
- Acts 16:9 During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
- Ezekiel 3:9 I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.”
- Jonah 3:2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.”