Acts 23 11

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.

Acts 23:11 nkjv

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Acts 23:11 niv

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

Acts 23:11 esv

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."

Acts 23:11 nlt

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well."

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 11 Meaning

This verse narrates a profound divine intervention during a moment of crisis for the Apostle Paul. Following a tumultuous period of arrest, two failed legal proceedings before the Sanhedrin, and a deeply disturbing plot against his life, Paul was likely experiencing profound discouragement and physical duress. In this state, Jesus Christ Himself appeared to Paul, offering direct reassurance, comfort, and reconfirmation of his divinely appointed mission. The Lord's words affirm Paul's past testimony in Jerusalem and explicitly command him to carry that same witness to the imperial capital, Rome, reinforcing God's sovereign plan for Paul's ministry despite his present trials. It's a powerful moment of grace, renewed strength, and clear directional guidance for Paul.

Acts 23 11 Context

Acts chapter 23 immediately precedes this verse and describes Paul's appearance before the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. After an initial confrontation with the high priest, Paul shrewdly exploited the theological divisions within the council, declaring himself a Pharisee on trial for his belief in the resurrection. This caused a severe dispute between the Sadducees (who denied resurrection) and the Pharisees (who believed in it), leading to such chaos and violence that the Roman commander had to intervene again, removing Paul from the council to prevent him from being torn apart.

Historically, Paul had returned to Jerusalem at the culmination of his third missionary journey, against the warnings of prophets (Acts 21:10-14), because he felt "compelled by the Spirit" (Acts 20:22). He sought to deliver a collection for the poor Jewish believers, demonstrate his Jewish loyalty, and bridge gaps with his fellow Jews. Instead, he was arrested in the temple based on false accusations of defiling it and bringing Gentiles inside. After addressing the crowd and then the Sanhedrin, Paul was in Roman custody, facing relentless opposition and plots against his life (a plot to ambush and kill him is revealed in the very next verses, Acts 23:12-15). His situation seemed desperate; he was far from home, abandoned by many, and his efforts for unity had resulted in intense hostility. This backdrop of physical danger, emotional fatigue, and spiritual burden makes the Lord's appearance an especially timely and powerful act of divine encouragement and strategic re-direction.

Acts 23 11 Word analysis

• The following night (Τῇ δὲ ἐπιούσῃ νυκτὶ - Tē de epiouse nykti): This highlights immediacy and timely intervention. "The following" indicates the night directly succeeding the day of Paul's turbulent appearance before the Sanhedrin. The Greek term for "following" emphasizes not just chronological sequence, but a swift and direct response to the prior events. This swiftness suggests Paul was likely distressed and in need of immediate reassurance, mirroring how God often responds quickly to His children's trials.
• the Lord (ὁ Κύριος - ho Kyrios): Refers definitively to Jesus Christ. Luke consistently uses "the Lord" in Acts to refer to the resurrected Jesus, asserting His divine authority, sovereignty, and ongoing active involvement in the church's mission. His personal appearance to Paul underscores the importance of this moment.
• stood near Paul (ἐπιστὰς αὐτῷ - epistas autō): The Greek epistas (participle of ephistēmi) conveys "standing over," "standing near," or "appearing to." It denotes a close, sudden, and personal presence, suggesting intimacy and immediate attention. It was not a distant vision but a vivid encounter, bringing a sense of real presence and comfort. This intimate interaction echoes Jesus' promises to never leave or forsake His followers.
• and said (εἶπεν - eipen): Simple and direct, signifying a clear, audible, and personal communication. There is no ambiguity; these are specific instructions and assurances given to Paul.
• 'Take courage! (Θάρσει - Tharsei): This is a powerful imperative, meaning "Be of good cheer," "Cheer up," or "Be encouraged." It's a command that implies Paul might have been dejected, weary, or fearful. It directly addresses his inner state and brings divine strength to counter human weakness. Jesus used this same phrase on other occasions to calm fears or restore hope (e.g., Matt 9:2; 14:27; John 16:33).
• As you have testified (ὡς γὰρ διεμαρτύρω - hōs gar diemartyrō): The Greek verb diamartyromai implies a thorough, solemn, persistent, and full witness, often with legal overtones. It signifies not just speaking, but affirming a truth with conviction, even under duress. The "as you have" validates Paul's prior ministry and suffering, showing God's approval.
• about me (τὰ περὶ ἐμοῦ - ta peri emou): The central subject of Paul's testimony is always Christ Himself – His life, death, resurrection, and lordship. This reinforces that all Christian witness is Christ-centered.
• in Jerusalem (εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ - eis Hierousalēm): The geographical and historical starting point of the gospel (Acts 1:8). This references the recent tumultuous events where Paul bore witness to his Jewish brethren, despite their violent opposition. It validates his costly and often rejected testimony there.
• so you must also testify (οὕτω σε δεῖ καὶ μαρτυρῆσαι - houtō se dei kai martyrēsai): The Greek dei (impersonal verb) indicates divine necessity, compulsion, or appointment. This is not merely a suggestion or permission, but a sovereign imperative—it "must" happen as part of God's overarching plan. Paul's future is fixed by God's will. Martyrēsai (infinitive) reiterates the core function of "bearing witness," the same comprehensive testimony already given.
• in Rome.' (εἰς Ῥώμην - eis Rōmēn): Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, symbolizing the hub of the known world. It represents the fulfillment of Paul's own long-held ambition (Rom 1:11-13; Acts 19:21) and the expansion of the gospel "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This is a monumental geographical and strategic assignment.
• "The following night the Lord stood near Paul": This phrase emphasizes the immediate divine presence and intimate personal intervention by Jesus Christ at Paul's point of deep need. It demonstrates God's attentiveness and sovereignty over the trials His servants face.
• "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem": This segment reveals Jesus' empathetic understanding of Paul's situation and affirms the validity and worth of Paul's past, painful efforts. It couples a direct command for spiritual fortitude with validation of his faithful suffering, acknowledging his costly obedience.
• "so you must also testify in Rome.": This climactic part clarifies Paul's future divine purpose, moving beyond the immediate crisis. It confirms a "divine must" for his journey to Rome, re-focusing Paul's mission towards an even grander global stage, thereby renewing his hope and objective.

Acts 23 11 Bonus section

This verse offers a crucial theological anchor by demonstrating that Jesus is not a distant, inactive deity but the living Lord who personally engages with and guides His people. For Paul, the appearance of the Lord also functions as a powerful re-affirmation of his apostolic calling. Despite widespread rejection and even violence from his own people, the direct address from Christ validated his painful efforts in Jerusalem and strengthened his resolve. The journey to Rome was a long-held ambition for Paul (Rom 1:13; Acts 19:21), and here, it transforms from a personal aspiration into a divine imperative, sealing its certainty in God's will. The promise of testifying in Rome also implies divine protection on the journey there and during his ministry in the imperial city, directly preceding more threats and a miraculous journey.

Acts 23 11 Commentary

Acts 23:11 serves as a pivotal moment for Paul and for the narrative of Acts. Amidst persecution, plots, and uncertainty, Jesus Christ Himself intervenes, providing the exact assurance Paul needed. This vision is not just a comforting appearance but a divine strategy, validating Paul's difficult testimony in Jerusalem and concretely setting the next phase of his mission: bearing witness in Rome. The Lord's command, "Take courage," directly counters any despondency Paul might have felt, reminding him of God's sovereign hand. The declaration that he "must" testify in Rome removes all doubt about his eventual destination and purpose. It underscores that even the most trying circumstances cannot thwart God's ultimate plan, and Paul's present imprisonment is simply a pathway to his future ministry. This verse profoundly demonstrates God's intimate care for His servants, His active guidance in their lives, and the certainty of His mission prevailing despite all human opposition. It's a reminder that trials often precede divine affirmation and re-direction towards greater gospel impact.