Contextual Overview

The context of Acts 18:9 is set in Corinth, where the Apostle Paul faced opposition and discouragement during his missionary journey. This verse presents a critical moment where God reassures Paul, emphasizing the importance of his mission.

Key Themes

• Divine Encouragement: God communicates with Paul through a vision, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His servants.
• Fear and Courage: The command "Be not afraid" reflects the common biblical theme of overcoming fear through faith in God.
• Proclamation: The exhortation to speak and not hold back underscores the necessity of evangelism and sharing the Gospel.

Commentary Insights

Various public domain commentaries provide valuable insights regarding this verse:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights the significance of divine reassurance during trials. He notes that God often encourages His people when they face opposition, emphasizing God's promise of protection and support.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes discusses how God’s directive to Paul shows His acknowledgment of the fears and trials Paul faced, providing a personal and profound encouragement to continue his mission with boldness.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke points out that the Lord’s vision signifies His authority and guidance, reinforcing that Paul should continue preaching despite challenges, as many would seek to hear the truth.

Bible Verse Cross References

Acts 18:9 can be cross-referenced with the following verses, illustrating themes of courage, divine guidance, and the mission of the Apostles:

• Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God." - Emphasizes God's promise of presence and support.
• 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - Connects to the theme of overcoming fear.
• Matthew 28:20: "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - A promise of continuous guidance in ministry.
• Acts 20:23-24: "Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city...that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me..." - Paul’s resolve in facing trials.
• Philippians 1:14: "And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." - Encouragement through Paul's experience.
• 1 Corinthians 2:3: "And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." - Paul's acknowledgment of his own fears.
• Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ..." - The importance of speaking out as a Christian.

Practical Applications

The message of Acts 18:9 calls believers to:

• Embrace Encouragement: Seek divine reassurance in times of fear and uncertainty.
• Overcome Fear: Recognize the power of God to embolden and equip them to share the Gospel.
• Stay Committed: Persevere in speaking truth, regardless of potential opposition or discouragement.

Conclusion

Acts 18:9 serves as a profound reminder of God’s call to courage and conviction in our witness. By studying this verse along with relevant cross-references, believers can gain deeper insight into God's promises and the importance of proclaiming His message fearlessly.

Related Study Tools

For those seeking further understanding through Bible cross-referencing tools, consider using:

• Bible Concordances: Resources that list words and phrases along with their corresponding verses.
• Bible Chain References: An organized way to see related verses across the Scriptures.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guides: Handy aids for exploring connections between Biblical texts.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study Methods: Techniques to help identify links across different parts of the Bible.