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Acts 23

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

What does Acts 23:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:11 depicts a significant moment for the Apostle Paul where he receives a divine message of encouragement. After a tumultuous confrontation with the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Israel, Paul is confined to a barracks for his own safety.

It is here, at night, that the Lord, presumed to be Jesus Christ based on Paul's previous encounters, appears to Paul. The Lord reassures him not to be afraid but to be of "good cheer," promising that Paul's mission to spread the Gospel will continue beyond Jerusalem and reach as far as Rome.

The phrase "Be of good cheer" conveys a sense of comfort and confidence despite the uncertain and dangerous circumstances surrounding Paul.

The Lord affirms that just as Paul has been a witness of the Christian message in Jerusalem, he will also have the opportunity to testify in Rome, which was then the epicenter of the known world.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke the Evangelist, is a historical account of the early Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts 23:11 occurs within the context of Paul's evangelistic efforts and the legal and cultural conflicts that arose because of them.

This event happens during Paul's third missionary journey.

After being arrested in the temple in Jerusalem under the accusation of teaching against the law and desecrating the temple, Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin.

His life is threatened due to a conspiracy among some Jews to kill him, and as a Roman citizen, he is under the protection of Roman soldiers.

Meanwhile, Rome is the center of the Empire, and Paul's aim to preach there symbolizes the message of Christianity reaching the heart of the then-known world.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates several key themes in Christianity:

Divine Providence: The Lord’s reassurance to Paul is an affirmation of divine guidance and purpose, emphasizing that God is in control and orchestrates events for the fulfillment of His plan.
Perseverance in Persecution: The promise of God to Paul can be seen as an encouragement to all believers to remain steadfast in their mission, even when faced with opposition and suffering.
Missionary Focus: Paul's call to bear witness in Rome indicates the expansive vision of Christian mission, which transcends local boundaries and seeks to reach the center of political and cultural power with the Gospel message.

Practical Applications

The verse's message can be applied in various practical ways:

Encouragement in Trials: Believers can find comfort in the fact that they are not abandoned in difficult times, and that there may be a larger purpose in their experiences.
Faith in God's Plan: It reinforces having faith that God has a plan for our lives and that even our setbacks can be stepping stones to fulfilling our greater purpose.
Courage in Witnessing: It challenges Christians to be courageous in speaking about their faith, trusting that God will give them the opportunity and the words when the time is right.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:17: "But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."
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 27:24: "Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, certain words stand out:

"Be of good cheer" (θάρσει): The term used here implies courage or confidence.

It is a command to be courageous or take heart.

"Paul" (Παῦλος): Paul’s name is of Roman origin, which is fitting considering his mission to Rome and his status as a Roman citizen.
"Must" (δεῖ): This term indicates something that is necessary or a must happen; it implies divine necessity or decree.
"Bear witness" (μαρτύριον δῷς): This phrase includes the word for "witness" or "testify," often used in a legal or judicial sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The calling of Paul to preach in Rome can be compared to other religious figures who receive a divine mandate, such as Jonah being sent to Nineveh in Hebrew Scriptures, or the Prophet Muhammad in Islam being called to spread the message of Allah.

The emphasis on a single individual's divine commission to bring a message to a great city or empire is a common theme in many religions.

Scientific Perspectives

The discussion in Acts 23:11 is more of historical and theological interest than scientific.

However, it can intersect with the psychological understanding of how visions or perceptual experiences can provide individuals with a sense of purpose or guidance, which has been a topic of study in the fields of psychology and neurology.

Commentaries

According to the Matthew Henry Commentary, this verse reassures Paul that his work is not yet finished and that God will protect him until he has fulfilled his purpose.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary stresses the supernatural comfort provided to Paul, indicating the importance of his mission to Rome.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of Paul's vision in strengthening him for his defense before the authorities and the difficult journey ahead.

These commentaries highlight the providential care over Paul and the strategic importance of his witness in Rome.

Acts 23

Acts 23

What does Acts 23:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 23:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?