Acts 23:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the night {G3571} following {G1966} the Lord {G2962} stood by {G2186} him {G846}, and said {G2036}, Be of good cheer {G2293}, Paul {G3972}: for {G1063} as {G5613} thou hast testified {G1263} of {G4012} me {G1700} in {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, so {G3779} must {G1163} thou {G4571} bear witness {G3140} also {G2532} at {G1519} Rome {G4516}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage! For just as you have borne a faithful witness to me in Yerushalayim, so now you must bear witness in Rome.”

Berean Standard Bible

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:11 presents a pivotal moment of divine intervention and profound reassurance for the Apostle Paul. Following a tumultuous appearance before the Sanhedrin, where his life was in peril, the Lord Jesus Himself appeared to Paul during the night. In this direct encounter, Jesus not only comforted Paul with the command to "be of good cheer" but also affirmed his past faithful witness in Jerusalem and, crucially, commissioned him for a future, indispensable testimony in Rome, thereby confirming God's sovereign plan for his ministry amidst intense persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a chaotic and dangerous session of the Sanhedrin, as detailed in [Acts 22:30-23:10](/acts/22-30-23-10 "Acts 22:30-23:10 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin"). Paul, having returned to Jerusalem, was falsely accused and arrested. Brought before the Jewish high council, he skillfully exploited the theological divisions between the Pharisees (who believed in resurrection) and the Sadducees (who did not) by declaring himself a Pharisee on trial for the hope of the resurrection. This tactic successfully fractured the council, leading to a violent uproar that necessitated Roman soldiers intervening to extract Paul for his safety. The night following this harrowing experience, Paul was likely exhausted, perhaps despondent, and certainly facing an uncertain future, making the Lord's appearance a timely and critical source of strength.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's arrest and trial occurred in Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation but with significant Jewish self-governance, particularly concerning religious matters. The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and religious body, wielding considerable authority, though ultimate capital punishment required Roman approval. Paul, a Roman citizen, was subject to Roman law, which afforded him certain protections, such as the right to appeal to Caesar. The intense animosity from some Jewish factions, particularly those who saw Paul as a renegade or apostate from Judaism, was a constant threat. His situation reflects the broader tension between Jewish religious authority and the nascent Christian movement, as well as the complex interplay between Roman governance and local customs.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 23:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in directing the steps of His servants, even through trials. Paul's journey to Rome, a long-held desire (cf. [Romans 1:10](/romans/1-10 "Romans 1:10 - Paul's Desire to Visit Rome") and [Romans 15:23-24](/romans/15-23-24 "Romans 15:23-24 - Paul's Plan to Visit Rome")), is here divinely confirmed as part of God's unshakeable plan, despite the immediate dangers. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Perseverance in Witness**, validating Paul's past testimony in Jerusalem and commissioning his future witness. It assures Paul, and by extension, the reader, that faithful service, even under duress, is recognized and rewarded by God. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Divine Encouragement in Adversity**, showing that God provides comfort and strength precisely when His servants are most vulnerable, echoing the Lord's consistent presence with His apostles throughout Acts, such as in [Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - The Lord Encourages Paul in Corinth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stood by (Greek, _ephístēmi'_):** This word (G2186) means "to stand upon," "to be present," or "to be at hand." Its usage here emphasizes the immediate, personal, and supportive presence of the Lord. It is not merely a vision or a spiritual impression, but a tangible manifestation of divine comfort and solidarity with Paul in his moment of distress. The Lord physically "stood by" Paul, signifying His active intervention and unwavering support.
* **Be of good cheer (Greek, _tharséō'_):** This imperative (G2293) carries the meaning "to have courage," "to be bold," or "do not fear." It is a direct command from the Lord, aimed at dispelling Paul's anxieties and instilling confidence. This is the same encouraging word Jesus frequently used to comfort individuals facing fear or distress, as seen when He tells the paralyzed man, "[Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Heals and Forgives the Paralytic"). Its use here underscores the Lord's compassionate understanding of Paul's human vulnerability and His desire to strengthen him for the trials ahead.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb (G1163) signifies necessity, indicating something that "is necessary," "behoved," or "ought to" happen due to divine will or binding obligation. It conveys the certainty and divine imperative of Paul's mission to Rome. This is not merely a suggestion or a hopeful wish, but a divinely ordained destiny that Paul is compelled to fulfill. It highlights God's sovereign plan overriding human obstacles and dangers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the night following the Lord stood by him,"**: This clause establishes the setting – the night immediately after Paul's tumultuous appearance before the Sanhedrin. The phrase "the Lord stood by him" signifies a direct, personal, and comforting manifestation of Jesus Christ to Paul, emphasizing divine presence and intervention in a moment of profound need and isolation.
* **"and said, 'Be of good cheer, Paul:'"**: This reveals the Lord's immediate message of encouragement. The direct address to "Paul" personalizes the divine comfort, and the command "Be of good cheer" is a powerful antidote to fear and despair, assuring Paul that he is not abandoned but is under divine care.
* **"for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem,"**: Here, the Lord affirms Paul's past faithfulness and courageous witness. "Jerusalem" represents the epicenter of Jewish faith and tradition, where Paul had faced immense opposition but had nonetheless boldly proclaimed the Gospel. This serves as divine validation of Paul's ministry and suffering thus far.
* **"so must thou bear witness also at Rome."**: This climactic declaration constitutes a divine commission and prophecy. "Rome" represents the heart of the Gentile world and the Roman Empire, a strategic center for the spread of the Gospel. The word "must" (Greek: _deî_) underscores the divine necessity and certainty of this mission, confirming God's sovereign plan for Paul to testify in the imperial capital, despite his current imprisonment and danger.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, as the Lord Jesus Himself appears to Paul, providing direct, supernatural comfort and direction. This is not a dream or a vision, but a personal encounter, highlighting God's active involvement in the lives of His servants. The Lord's words are a prime example of **Direct Speech**, lending immediacy and authority to the divine message. This personal address ("Be of good cheer, Paul") creates an intimate and reassuring tone. Furthermore, the statement "so must thou bear witness also at Rome" functions as **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, revealing God's future plan for Paul's ministry and assuring him that his current predicament is not an end but a means to a greater divine purpose. This also demonstrates **Affirmation**, as the Lord explicitly validates Paul's past faithfulness ("as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem"), connecting his past obedience to his future calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:11 powerfully illustrates the theological truth of God's intimate involvement in the lives of His faithful servants, particularly during times of intense trial and uncertainty. It underscores the concept of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God's plans for His kingdom and His messengers cannot be thwarted by human opposition or perilous circumstances. The Lord's appearance to Paul is a profound testament to His commitment to His mission and to those He has called, providing not only comfort but also crucial confirmation of purpose and direction. This incident reinforces the New Testament theme that God equips and sustains those He sends, ensuring their testimony reaches its divinely appointed destinations.

* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")
* [2 Timothy 4:17](/2_timothy/4-17 "2 Timothy 4:17 - The Lord Stood By Me")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment for the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:11 offers profound encouragement and a powerful model for believers navigating their own seasons of difficulty and uncertainty. Just as Paul faced intense opposition and felt isolated, we too may encounter moments when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, opposition, or the weight of our calling. This verse reminds us that in our darkest hours, the Lord is not distant but is intimately present, ready to stand by us, offer comfort, and reaffirm His purposes. It challenges us to look beyond immediate trials, trusting that God's sovereign plan for our lives and our witness will prevail, even if it leads us through unexpected paths of suffering or imprisonment. Our faithfulness in testifying to Christ, even in the face of adversity, is recognized and validated by Him, and He will ensure that our mission, divinely ordained, is brought to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently feeling overwhelmed or under attack, and how might the Lord be calling you to "be of good cheer" in those circumstances?**
* **How does Paul's experience of divine affirmation of his past witness encourage you in your own efforts to testify for Christ, even when it feels difficult or unappreciated?**
* **Do you believe God has a specific "Rome" for your life or ministry – a divinely appointed purpose that He will ensure comes to pass, despite obstacles? How does this verse strengthen your faith in that regard?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Lord appear to Paul specifically at this moment?**

Answer: The Lord appeared to Paul at this critical juncture to provide immediate comfort and reassurance amidst intense danger and uncertainty. Paul had just endured a tumultuous and life-threatening session before the Sanhedrin, where he was nearly torn apart by the mob. He was likely exhausted, discouraged, and facing an unknown future, possibly even death. The Lord's direct appearance served as a powerful affirmation of His presence and sovereign control, dispelling Paul's fears and confirming that his mission was far from over. This divine intervention echoes other instances in Acts where the Lord strengthens His servants in times of crisis, such as when He tells Paul in [Acts 18:9-10](/acts/18-9-10 "Acts 18:9-10 - The Lord's Encouragement to Paul in Corinth"), "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:11, though an account of Paul's personal experience, resonates deeply with Christ-centered fulfillment by illustrating the ongoing work of the ascended Lord in sustaining His church and advancing His kingdom. Jesus, the Head of the Church and the ultimate Witness ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), personally intervenes to ensure His Gospel reaches the ends of the earth. Paul's commission to "bear witness also at Rome" is a direct extension of Christ's Great Commission to His disciples to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The Lord's presence and words of encouragement ("Be of good cheer") echo His own comforting promises to His disciples, such as "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Paul's journey to Rome, marked by suffering but divinely ordained, foreshadows the spread of the Gospel through the suffering and faithfulness of Christ's followers, empowered by His Spirit. Ultimately, this verse underscores that Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure but the living Lord, actively directing, protecting, and empowering His servants to fulfill His redemptive purposes until His glorious return ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding 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.

Jeremiah 15:19

Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, [and] thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

Jeremiah 15:21

And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

Matthew 14:27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Philippians 1:13

So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places];