Acts 18:9-10

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, " Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city. "

1. All of us get discouraged at times. We get "down in the dumps" and start feeling useless and want to give up. It would seem that Paul was getting discouraged and ready to "throw in the towel."

2. God speaks to him in a dream.

1. Do not be afraid - Speak - Do not keep silent. - These statement are intended to reinforce each other.

1. Encouragement - Do not be afraid.

2. Positive - Speak up.

3. Negative - Do not keep silent.

2. We often sing "Standing on the Promises" when, in reality, we are just "Sitting on the Premises."

3. I am with you. God assures Paul, and us, of His nearness, His presence. You may be far from home, but you are not far from God. It seems that every place Paul preached, there was some problem and he was driven out of town. Not here. Not now. Not with God's assurance.

4. Protection - God then assures Paul that he will not suffer harm. No one is going to hurt you. You will not be attacked. This is the "hased" of God. (For further information on this you can see my sermon "Guard, Guide, Direct" on my website - )

5. I have many people in this city. God made a similar statement to Jonah about his preaching in Nineveh. God has a plan. We don't always know or understand the reasons and the plan of God. But we are assured that it can work together for good. (Romans 8:28)