Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 23:11

"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." — Acts 23:11 (ASV)

Paul had feared such a reception at Jerusalem (cf. 20:22–23; 21:13; Romans 15:31), and now his worst fears were being realized. He had planned to go to Rome . But developments at Jerusalem were building up to a point where it appeared his life could come to an end in the city through any number of circumstances beyond his control. Undoubtedly he was despondent as he awaited the next turn of events in his cell in the fortress. But “the following night,” the risen and exalted Jesus appeared to Paul—as he had done at other critical moments in his ministry (cf. 18:9–10; 22:17–21)—and encouraged him by his presence. “Take courage!” he said, and he assured Paul that he would yet testify in Rome as he had done in Jerusalem. This assurance must have meant much to Paul in the ensuing months.