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 23:11KJV
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Acts 23:11 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:11 mean?

Acts 23:11 describes how, during the night after Paul had faced danger and opposition in Jerusalem, the Lord appeared to him and encouraged him, telling Paul to take heart because he would also testify about Jesus in Rome, just as he had done in Jerusalem. This verse shows that Paul’s mission was not over and that he would have the opportunity to speak about Jesus in Rome, despite the current threats against him.

In this scene, Paul is in custody after being attacked by a crowd in Jerusalem and narrowly escaping harm. The Lord (Jesus) stands by Paul and speaks directly to him, offering reassurance and a promise about the future. The statement connects Paul’s recent testimony in Jerusalem with his upcoming role as a witness in Rome, highlighting both the danger he faced and the ongoing purpose God had for him.

The Greek behind Acts 23:11

  • The word translated “cheer” is θαρσέω (tharseō), which often means “take courage” or “be confident.” This is a strong encouragement, not just a gentle comfort.
  • The Greek word for “testified” is διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartyromai), which means to give a strong, clear witness or testimony. It emphasizes that Paul’s speaking about Jesus was bold and official, not casual.
  • The phrase “must...bear witness” uses δεῖ (dei), meaning “it is necessary.” This shows that Paul’s future testimony in Rome is not just possible, but part of a necessary plan.

Why Acts 23:11 matters

  • Acts 23:11 clarifies that Paul’s journey to Rome is not just his own idea or a random event, but something the Lord himself has planned and promised.
  • The verse reassures readers that even in moments of danger or uncertainty, God’s purposes for his people continue and are not stopped by human opposition.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of Acts, showing that Paul’s mission will expand beyond Jerusalem to the very heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling Jesus’ words about being witnesses “to the ends of the earth.”

Where else these words appear

“following” Greek G1966 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 7:26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
  • Acts 16:11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
  • Acts 20:15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

“cheer” Greek G2293 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, 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.
  • Matthew 14:27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
  • Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

“Rome” Greek G4516 · used in 14 verses

  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.

“testified” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.