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:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
δι'
in
G1223
δι'
in
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὁράματος
a vision
G3705
ὁράματος
a vision
Strong's:
G3705
Word #:
6 of 17
something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
to Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
to Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
10 of 17
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβοῦ
Be
G5399
φοβοῦ
Be
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
12 of 17
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.Acts 16:9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.Jeremiah 1:17Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.Micah 3:8But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Historical Context
In Corinth (AD 50-51), after mixed reception in Athens and initial Corinthian resistance, Paul needed reassurance. This vision preceded 18 months of fruitful ministry, establishing a major church in this strategic commercial center.
Questions for Reflection
- How does divine reassurance enable bold witness when facing opposition or fear?
- What does God's command to 'hold not thy peace' teach about evangelistic responsibility?
Analysis & Commentary
The Lord's night vision to Paul—'Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace'—reveals that even apostles battled fear requiring divine encouragement. God's promise 'I am with thee' echoes the great commission and Old Testament assurances, providing courage for continued witness. The command against silence emphasizes proclamation's centrality.