But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Acts 23:11

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More literally, it reads, “And the following night, the Lord, having stood by him, said, ‘Fortify! For as you fully testified about Me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome’” (CG).

Paul was removed forcibly by the Roman guards from the out-of-control crowd in the council he stood before. Luke now continues the narrative, saying, “And the following night.”

This probably means that same night. If Luke is using the Jewish way of reckoning time, the following day begins at sundown. Thus, this would be the evening of the same day, but the start of the new day. From there, it says, “the Lord, having stood by him, said, ‘Fortify!’”

This is the seventh and last time that the word tharseó is seen in Scripture. It means to take heart, be of good courage, etc. HELPS Word Studies notes that its root signifies “emboldened from within.” As such, and to use a single verb that catches the meaning, fortify gets the point across. The Lord is telling Paul to strengthen himself from within to prepare himself for what was ahead.

If Paul is in the same chambers as that which the Lord had been in, then this is a return visit for Jesus. It is an amazing thought to consider. How much more in the content of the two stays! Christ was harassed and brutalized in the same place where He now stands and gives Paul words of comfort and even renewed vigor. His words to Paul now are reflective of His words to the other apostles in Matthew 14:27, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

As for His word to Paul to “Fortify!” That is then explained with the next words, “For as you fully testified about Me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome.”

Paul had already told those in Rome of his desire to travel there (Romans 1:13; Romans 15:23). Now, he is given the assurance that this will come about exactly as he had hoped. Further, this conversation surely lets him know that his service has been acceptable. Were it not so, then he would not be tasked with further work. The Lord’s presence, His words, and His approval of Paul surely worked like an elixir in him.

Life application: The last time the Lord appeared to Paul was in Acts 18:9, where He said, “Do not be afraid.” Paul was probably less afraid at this time and yet more weary and downtrodden. Hence, the word “Fortify!” is appropriate to the mood in which he found himself.

The Lord never fails to meet us in exactly the condition we are in and the circumstances we are facing, and then give us exactly the comfort we need at the moment. This doesn’t mean He is going to physically appear before us. But we still have Him with us through His word. When we are in some sort of difficulty, trial, pickle, conundrum, etc., we can find comfort, strength, emboldening, and so forth right in the word He has given us.

If you are a faithful reader of the word, how many times has this been the case in your own life? The Lord’s words to Paul were just what was needed. The word of the Lord is just what is needed for us at just the right time, every time. Keep in the word. It will carry you through the many trials, troubles, and tribulations that you are facing or will face as you continue on life’s path. Don’t neglect this comforting and necessary resource that God has lovingly set before you.

Heavenly Father, Your word is a gloriously wonderful light for our times of darkness. It is a calming hand in our times of distress. It is a soothing balm in our times of tribulation. Give us the wisdom, as Your people, to read it and carefully consider it all the days of our lives. Thank You, O God, for Your precious word. Amen.