King James Version

What Does Acts 23:11 Mean?

Acts 23:11 in the King James Version says “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jer... — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

10

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

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.

12

And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together , and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. under a curse: or, with an oath of execration

13

And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you experienced God's presence and reassurance after difficult or seemingly failed ministry efforts?
  2. How does knowing God's future purposes for your life give courage to endure present hardships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Τῇ1 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 26

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπιούσῃ3 of 26

following

G1966

supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night

νυκτὶ4 of 26

the night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

ἐπιστὰς5 of 26

stood by

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

αὐτῷ6 of 26

him

G846

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

7 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος8 of 26

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εἶπεν9 of 26

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Θάρσει10 of 26

Be of good cheer

G2293

to have courage

Παῦλε·11 of 26

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ὡς12 of 26

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

γὰρ13 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

διεμαρτύρω14 of 26

thou hast testified

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

τὰ15 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ16 of 26

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἐμοῦ17 of 26

me

G1700

of me

εἰς18 of 26

at

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλὴμ19 of 26

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

οὕτως20 of 26

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

σε21 of 26

thou

G4571

thee

δεῖ22 of 26

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

καὶ23 of 26

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰς24 of 26

at

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ῥώμην25 of 26

Rome

G4516

strength; roma, the capital of italy

μαρτυρῆσαι26 of 26

bear witness

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 23:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 23:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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