Paragraph 23:11

23:11a

The following night: This phrase refers to the first night after the day that Paul met with the Sanhedrin. For example:

That night (Good News Translation)
-or-
The next night (New Century Version)

Lord: This word means “the one in authority over others” or “master.” Here the word refers to Jesus. In some languages it is clearer or more natural to explain so in the translation. For example:

the Lord ⌊Jesus⌋

stood near: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stood near means “appear near, standing.” Jesus appeared next to Paul. He did not walk from somewhere else to stand next to Paul. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

stood by (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
appeared to (New Living Translation (2004))

23:11b–c

As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome: The Greek conjunction that is often translated as “for” introduces this sentence. It introduces why Paul should be encouraged. For example:

Take courage, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome. (Revised Standard Version)

As…so: These two words indicate that the two events of testifying are similar. Jesus wanted Paul to testify in the future the same way that Paul testified in the past. It was also a promise that Paul would continue to serve Jesus despite the Jews opposing Paul. Other ways to translate this meaning are:

You have testified about me in Jerusalem. You must also testify about me in Rome.
-or-
You must testify about me in Rome just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem.

testified…testify:
The verbs testified and testify mean “report what one saw.” The word is often used where the person is expected to be truthful and accurate. Paul told others what he knew about Jesus. Other ways to translate these words are:

You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem, now you must do the same in Rome. (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
You’ve told the truth about me in Jerusalem. Now you must tell the truth about me in Rome. (God’s Word)

23:11b

Take courage!: This phrase indicates that Jesus wanted Paul to have courage. Some Jews opposed Paul but Jesus the Christ was in control and he supported Paul. Consider how to translate this meaning. It may be an idiom or some other kind of expression. For example:

Courage! (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Strengthen your mind/thoughts
-or-
Strengthen your(s) heart
-or-
Be courageous!

23:11c

must: This word in Greek is literally “it is necessary.” God indicated that it was necessary that Paul would testify about Jesus in Rome. Other ways to translate this word are:

will certainly
-or-
it is necessary…that

Rome: This name refers to the capital city of the Roman people.

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