Act 23:11 | RWP | e4.org | The night following ( τη επιουση νυκτ ). Locative case, on the next (following) night. The Lord ( ο κυριος ). Jesus. Paul never needed Jesus more than now. On a previous occasion the whole church prayed for Peter's release ( ), but Paul clearly had no such grip on the church as that, though he had been kindly welcomed ( ). In every crisis Jesus appears to him (cf. ). It looked dark for Paul till Jesus spoke. Once before in Jerusalem Jesus spoke words of cheer ( ). Then he was told to leave Jerusalem. Now he is to have "cheer" or "courage" ( θαρσε ). Jesus used this very word to others ( , ; ). It is a brave word. Thou hast testified ( διεμαρτυρω ). First aorist middle indicative second person singular of διαμαρτυρομα , strong word (see on ). Must thou ( σε δε ). That is the needed word and on this Paul leans. His hopes ( ) of going to Rome will not be in vain. He can bide Christ's time now. And Jesus has approved his witness in Jerusalem.

‏ Acts 23:11

The night following ( τη επιουση νυκτ ). Locative case, on the next (following) night.

The Lord ( ο κυριος ). Jesus. Paul never needed Jesus more than now. On a previous occasion the whole church prayed for Peter's release (12:5), but Paul clearly had no such grip on the church as that, though he had been kindly welcomed (21:18). In every crisis Jesus appears to him (cf. Ac 18:9). It looked dark for Paul till Jesus spoke. Once before in Jerusalem Jesus spoke words of cheer (22:18). Then he was told to leave Jerusalem. Now he is to have "cheer" or "courage" ( θαρσε ). Jesus used this very word to others (Mt 9:2, 22; Mr 10:49). It is a brave word.

Thou hast testified ( διεμαρτυρω ). First aorist middle indicative second person singular of διαμαρτυρομα, strong word (see on 22:18).

Must thou ( σε δε ). That is the needed word and on this Paul leans. His hopes (19:21) of going to Rome will not be in vain. He can bide Christ's time now. And Jesus has approved his witness in Jerusalem.