Acts 18:9—“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.”

Paul’s ministry in Corinth met with opposition. When some Jews resisted his preaching and blasphemed, he turned to the Gentiles. Nevertheless, God blessed the gospel work: Crispus and his household believed, and many Corinthians believed and were baptised (Acts 18:6–8). Amid these encouragements and conflicts, the Lord addressed His servant.

“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision”. This divine revelation gave the apostle the Lord’s authoritative assurance. The Lord knew the pressures surrounding Paul and graciously supplied the encouragement he needed. Even a faithful, experienced servant needed his Master’s strengthening word.

“Be not afraid”. Paul later recalled being among the Corinthians “in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3). Courage in ministry does not require an absence of fear; it requires obedience with faith when fear presses upon us.

“But speak, and hold not thy peace”. Fear must not silence the gospel. Paul was commissioned to proclaim Christ, and opposition did not cancel that responsibility. The following verse supplies the foundation: “For I am with thee”. Christ’s presence and sovereign purpose sustained His servant’s obedience.

We should not claim Paul’s vision or its particular promises as personal revelations. Yet Scripture clearly commands Christians to bear witness to Christ and assures them of His presence (Matthew 28:19–20).

Are we silent because we fear rejection, embarrassment, or hostility? Let us pray for boldness, speak truth with love, and trust the Lord with the outcome. His sufficient grace enables trembling servants to faithfully proclaim their mighty Saviour.