One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” – Acts 18:9
Have you ever wanted to speak about your faith but felt held back by fear, criticism, or uncertainty? Scripture reminds us that even the apostle Paul faced moments of deep discouragement, and yet God met him with timely reassurance. Acts 18:9 offers gentle encouragement for believers who long to be faithful but feel weary or afraid, assuring us that God sees our fear and speaks courage into it.
What does Acts 18:9 reveal about God’s heart toward our fear?
Paul had endured rejection, hostility, and physical suffering for preaching the gospel. Though he was deeply committed to Christ, he was still human, and fear weighed on him. In this moment, God did not rebuke Paul for his weakness. Instead, He comforted him. The Lord’s words reveal a compassionate God who understands the emotional cost of obedience. When fear rises in our own hearts, God meets us with His presence and reminds us that we are not alone.
Why does God tell His servants not to be afraid?
God’s command to “do not be afraid” is grounded in His promise to remain near. Courage in the Christian life does not come from confidence in ourselves but from trust in God’s faithfulness. As believers, we may face misunderstanding, resistance, or even opposition for following Jesus. Acts 18:9 reminds us that fear does not disqualify us from serving God. Instead, His presence strengthens us to keep going, even when the path feels uncertain.
How can we apply “keep on speaking” to our lives today?
The Lord’s instruction to Paul was simple and clear: keep on speaking, and do not be silent. God still calls His people to share the truth of the gospel with wisdom, humility, and love. We may not all preach publicly, but each of us has opportunities to reflect Christ through words and actions. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, God gives us the right words at the right time, helping us speak with grace rather than fear.
How does joy in Christ give us boldness?
A heart that knows Christ cannot stay silent for long. The joy of salvation naturally overflows into praise and testimony. When we remember God’s goodness, His forgiveness, and His constant presence, our faith becomes something we want to share. Like Paul, we are invited to let God’s grace shape our words and give us confidence to speak openly about the hope we have in Jesus.