MPV Commentary

In the Fortress Paul Is Cheered by a Night Vision--An Unexpected Turn of Events

11 The night following, Jesus stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so must you also at Rome." This vision was not just a comfort to Paul but would continue to uphold him throughout his journey.

12-14 Some of the Jewish leaders had bound themselves under a curse, promising not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. This was a serious and sinister plot (compare 2 Samuel 3:35; 1 Samuel 14:24).

15 The high priests and other leaders informed the chief captain that Paul should be brought before them as if he were about to appear before the Sanhedrin, but in reality, they wanted to assassinate him. Their plan was to kill him on his way down from the barracks to the council.

16-22 Paul's nephew, who may have been a student at the time, overheard the plot and promptly informed one of the centurions about it. The centurion took action, showing kindness and impartiality by taking the young boy under his care (see Acts 27:22-25; 27:31).

17 Paul called for one of the centurions to take him away from the barracks at night, as he had been assured that God would protect him. He never neglected his duty or the work he still needed to do.

19 The centurion took Paul by the hand and led him out, showing kindness and compassion towards him.

21 The soldiers were ready to carry out their plan, but they were waiting for a signal from Paul before proceeding. It was only at this last moment that deliverance came.

23-24 Two hundred soldiers accompanied Paul on his journey, which was a significant force for such an occasion. However, the Roman officials felt it necessary to provide a strong escort to maintain public order and prevent any attempted rescue.

25 The third hour of the night had arrived (around 9 o'clock), and Paul was set on beasts as relays to carry him and his baggage to Felix, the governor at Cæsarea.

26-30 Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, wrote a letter to Felix explaining the situation. He described himself as the most excellent governor and mentioned that he had come with an army (or "with the military") to Jerusalem.

27 When Felix arrived in Jerusalem, he was informed about the charges against Paul but realized they were related to questions of Jewish law and custom.

29 Despite his difficulty in understanding the charges, Felix recognized that this was a case involving religious matters and not a civil issue.

30 He instructed his accusers to present their case before him when he arrived at Cæsarea.

31-32 The soldiers brought Paul to Antipatris, a town about forty miles from Jerusalem on the way to Cæsarea. The next day, they left the horsemen behind and continued with the infantry.

34 When Felix asked Paul what province he was from, Paul replied that he was a Roman citizen.

35 Felix promised to give Paul a full hearing, and Paul was ordered to be kept in Herod's judgment hall (the prætorium) at Cæsarea.