Anyone familiar with the Bible will know who the Apostle Paul was. He was a confident debater. He had a reputation for standing up against popular opinion and religion in the face of persecution. He was arrested, imprisoned, beaten and taunted. But, none of these powerfully pressuring techniques seemed to have much effect in detering him from meeting his commitments and fulfilling his call. I would described him as insatiablly committed to the Lord who saved him, undaunted by threats and impregnable to silencing efforts of his persecutors. 2 Corinthians 11 lists an impressive number of abuses that Paul was able to withstand in serving the Lord. At every turn, Paul was pushed, but not fearful or silenced.
With that back-drop, Acts 18:9 is an interesting vision statement from the Lord to Paul. After Paul had received his usual community pushback or persecution (this time in Corinth), God spoke a simple message to him, "Don’t be afraid! Speak Out! Don’t be silent!" That is an interesting vision statement considering to whom it was directed. Paul’s gifting included speaking. Then God said, "Speak". No one could silence Paul’s obsession with telling the truth. Then God said, "Don’t be silent." There is not a hint of fear in the many passages by or about Paul. Then God said, "Don’t be afraid." It seems like God is preaching to the choir; telling Paul something he didn’t need to know.
I just watched the Olympics. On the surface, this message seems like someone telling Usain Bolt (world record gold medalist in the sprints), "Run fast and don’t stop in the middle of the race." Or, it might resemble telling Michael Phelps (gold medal record holder in swimming), "Stay afloat, move your arms and feet, and make sure you stay in your lane." I don’t believe these messages need conveying to those who don’t struggle with these matters.
But, more deeply, this is not a message about how to execute a calling or commitment, but a word of encouragement to keep true to that calling or commitment. Paul’s strengths were living above fear and speaking up. But, even the best of us can become weary in fulfilling our call. Many of us can grow tired in the process of living out our call. It is a loving God who reminds us of our strengths and call and takes the time and energy to communicate them in a boldly encouraging message. God is able to tell us comfortingly what we already know clearly.
I believe that this specific message to Paul is a strong message to all of us who are committed to speaking the good news to others- pastor or lay. Don’t give-in to fear. Keep speaking. Resist the temptation to become silent. Your efforts make a difference. Don’t shrink back. It might sound like an obvious message. But, it is a necessary one.