John Calvin Commentary Acts 23:10

"And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the castle." — Acts 23:10 (ASV)

We see again what a cruel mischief contention is, which, as soon as it flares up, has such violent effects that even the wisest men are not in their right minds. Therefore, as soon as any sign of it appears, let us strive to prevent it promptly, lest it be too late to restrain it once it is fully underway, because no fire is as swift as contention.

Regarding the chief captain, just as he was appointed to be an instrument of God’s providence to save Paul’s life, so he now delivers him a second time by his soldiers from death. For although the chief captain defends him so diligently for no other purpose than to prevent riots and murder, yet the Lord, who from heaven provided and appointed help for his servant, directs his unknowing hands to this end.