Acts 23:11

The night following (th epioush nukti). Locative case, on the next (following) night. The Lord (o kurio). Jesus. Paul never needed Jesus more than now. On a previous occasion the whole church prayed for Peter's release ( Mark 12:5 ), but Paul clearly had no such grip on the church as that, though he had been kindly welcomed ( Mark 21:18 ). In every crisis Jesus appears to him (cf. Acts 18:9 ). It looked dark for Paul till Jesus spoke. Once before in Jerusalem Jesus spoke words of cheer ( Acts 22:18 ). Then he was told to leave Jerusalem. Now he is to have "cheer" or "courage" (qarsei). Jesus used this very word to others ( Matthew 9:2 Matthew 9:22 ; Mark 10:49 ). It is a brave word. Thou hast testified (diemarturw). First aorist middle indicative second person singular of diamarturomai, strong word (see on Mark 22:18 ). Must thou (se dei). That is the needed word and on this Paul leans. His hopes ( Mark 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.