John Calvin Commentary Acts 23:19

"And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is it that thou hast to tell me?" — Acts 23:19 (ASV)

Taking him by the hand. The fact that the chief captain showed himself so courteous to the young man, that he led him by the hand into a private place, and that he deigned to hear him so gently—all this must be attributed to the grace of God, who promised to give His people favor in the sight of the Egyptians (Exodus 3:21), and who is accustomed to soften hard hearts, tame fierce spirits, and shape toward all human kindness those whom He has determined to use as instruments to help His own people.

A man trained in warfare might just as easily have rebuffed this young man, whom he did not know, as he might have despised Paul’s request. Therefore, the Lord, who has the hearts of men in His hand, inclined the secular official to listen to him. It was also fortunate that the official already knew how furiously Paul’s enemies raged against him, so that he might more willingly help a man who was miserable and forsaken.

Those in authority are taught by this example what a great virtue courtesy is. If access to him had been difficult, he might, through ignorance, have handed Paul over to the Jews to be killed. Thus, magistrates often commit many serious offenses through their own pride, because they will not receive those who would offer them good counsel.

Calling to him. And here we see God's providence even more clearly. For although the chief captain’s intention was to prevent a public uproar (for which he would have had to give an account before the governor), yet he executed God’s plan in delivering Paul. For he had to gather soldiers; also, the city necessarily had to be stripped of its garrison, and the journey required some expense.

Therefore, we must consider the chief captain’s wisdom in such a way that our faith lifts her eyes to heaven and understands that God guides the heart of an unbelieving man by a hidden impulse, and that God Himself ultimately guides Paul and the soldiers, so that Paul might arrive safely in Caesarea.

The third hour of the night was the end of the first watch. Therefore, it is as if the chief captain commanded the soldiers to be ready at the second watch. Luke calls those who carried darts lancearios; these, being more lightly armed, were placed on the flanks, whereas the legionary soldiers were more suited for formal battle.