Fear Not: The Assurance of God's Presence
"Sure, here is the King James Version of Acts 18:9-10: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."" - Acts 18:9-10
The journey of faith can often be daunting, filled with moments of uncertainty, fear, and hesitation. The apostle Paul, a mighty vessel for God, faced such moments during his ministry in Corinth. In Acts 18:9-10, we find this profound interaction: "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."
In these verses, God provides Paul with a message of assurance. Here was a man who had faced persecution and opposition, yet God knew his heart and urged him not to succumb to fear. The phrase “Be not afraid” resonates powerfully, reminding us that even the most faithful servants of God experience fear. Fear is a normal human emotion, but what matters is how we respond to it.
God’s command to Paul to “speak” further illuminates His intent. Silence, often driven by fear, can prevent the word of God from being shared and heard. Paul was urged to proclaim the truth of the Gospel boldly. This is a vital reminder for us today; when fear clouds our hearts, we must still take action in our obedience to God. He calls us to share His love and truth regardless of our fears.
The assurance provided in the promise, “For I am with thee,” is profound. It underscores the continuous presence of God in our lives. Just as He was with Paul in Corinth, He is with us in our own “Corinths”—those challenging places and seasons where we find ourselves reluctant to act. This profound truth offers a comfort that can dispel fear and embolden our hearts. The weight of the world may press heavily on our shoulders, but we are never alone. God’s presence is our strongest ally, providing comfort and courage.
The subsequent declaration, “no man shall set on thee to hurt thee,” does not imply an absence of suffering but rather a divine protection that allows us to fulfill our calling. Paul was aware that danger and conflict often surrounded him, yet God assures him that in that place and time, he would be safeguarded. This promise is not a blanket assurance of an easy journey but a reassurance that God’s purpose prevails amidst adversity.
Finally, the statement, “for I have much people in this city” reveals God’s plan. He had prepared hearts in Corinth, ready to receive the Gospel. This truth is a powerful motivator for ministry. God knows the names and faces of those who are receptive to His message. He has positioned us in our communities for a reason. When we are afraid, we can remind ourselves that there are those counted among God’s “people” who need to hear what He has put on our hearts.
As we meditate on these verses, let us ask ourselves: What fears have been holding us back from speaking out for God? Where are we being called to proclaim His love and truth boldly? In what places or situations do we need to remind ourselves of His enveloping presence?
In our lives, as daunting as the challenges may seem, we are called to step forward in faith. The words spoken to Paul are as relevant today as they were then. God is with us, guiding us, and emboldening us. Let us take this assurance, hold fast to it, and proclaim the Gospel, fearlessly and passionately, knowing that the Lord stands beside us every step of the way. Amen.
Want to reflect more on Acts 18:9-10?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
Acts 18:9-10 Artwork
Acts 18:9-10 - "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 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.'" - Acts 18:9-10
Acts 10:18 - "And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there."
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:"
Acts 9:18 - "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
Acts 18:10 - "For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."
Acts 10:9 - "¶ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:"
Acts 9:10 - "¶ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord."
"And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there." - Acts 10:18
"Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:" - Acts 18:9
Ezekiel 18:10 - "¶ If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,"
Acts 18:12
Acts 18:12
"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." - Acts 9:18
"For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city." - Acts 18:10
Exodus 18:9-10 (9) And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. (10) And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Exodus 18:9-10 (9) And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. (10) And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Exodus 18:9-10 (9) And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. (10) And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Acts 9:9 - "And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."
Acts 18:16 - "And he drave them from the judgment seat."
Acts 19:18 - "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."
Acts 9:1-20
Acts 9:1-20
Acts 7:18 - "Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph."
Acts 5:18 - "And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison."
acts 10:44-46
"¶ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:" - Acts 10:9
Acts 18:1 - "After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;"
Acts 18:13 - "Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law."
Acts 18:4 - "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."