Acts 23:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
Τῇ
G3588
Τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιούσῃ
following
G1966
ἐπιούσῃ
following
Strong's:
G1966
Word #:
3 of 26
supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night
ἐπιστὰς
stood by
G2186
ἐπιστὰς
stood by
Strong's:
G2186
Word #:
5 of 26
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Παῦλε·
Paul
G3972
Παῦλε·
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
11 of 26
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
12 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διεμαρτύρω
thou hast testified
G1263
διεμαρτύρω
thou hast testified
Strong's:
G1263
Word #:
14 of 26
to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
19 of 26
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
22 of 26
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 18:9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:Acts 19:21After 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.Matthew 14:27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding 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.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Matthew 9:2And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.Philippians 1:13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Historical Context
This night vision occurred in the fortress, perhaps in a cell. Jesus's promise of Roman testimony would be fulfilled through Paul's appeals, voyage, and eventual arrival in Rome (Acts 28).
Questions for Reflection
- When have you experienced God's presence and reassurance after difficult or seemingly failed ministry efforts?
- How does knowing God's future purposes for your life give courage to endure present hardships?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus's personal appearance - 'the Lord stood by him' - provided crucial encouragement when Paul needed it most. Christ's affirmation that Paul had 'testified of me in Jerusalem' validated his efforts despite apparent failure. The promise 'so must thou bear witness also at Rome' revealed God's sovereign plan and assured Paul his life would be preserved for this purpose.