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The Romans are standing in the back of the courtroom, observing this mockery of justice. Now
the Sadducees probably hate Paul even more for using his background to divide the courtroom.
The Roman captain sees Paul is innocent and is now required to protect him. Paul is taken
away by the Romans and left alone.

Paul now becomes very discouraged. His ministry is stopped, and he is fighting for his life.
After this mockery of justice, he realizes how far the Jews have degenerated. He also realizes
what a great mistake he has made and the arrogance with which he has been involved.

THE LORD JESUS ENCOURAGES PAUL (11-16)

Paul becomes discouraged, and the next night Jesus appears to him and tells him he will share
the gospel in Rome. A group of Jews join together and express their determination to kill Paul.
This group of more than forty, ask the Sanhedrin to call for Paul as if they need to question him
more, but instead they plan to kill him.

PAUL IS DISCOURAGED

Act 23:11 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."

And the night following the Lord (Jesus) stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as
thou hast testified (diamartureomai: stood up, witnessed) of (concerning) me in Jerusalem, so
must thou bear witness (martureo: speak out for me) also at Rome.

Jesus encourages Paul: “Be of good cheer! Don’t be discouraged!” Why was Paul discouraged?

1. He missed God’s will because of his personal legalism.
2. He is frustrated by his lack of progress in Jerusalem.
3. He is being kept alive by the Roman military, yet they are also detaining him.

Jesus now appears in a vision to encourage Paul. This is the third time Paul has been
encouraged by a vision from the Lord (16:9; 18:9-10). In prison, Paul begins to condemn
himself. He is probably feeling as if God can never use him again and about how he has let
down so many believers who tried to warn him. He also realizes how he has compromised his
ministry by taking the vow in Jerusalem and offering a sacrifice before the multitudes. In this
situation, he asks God to forgive him and Jesus appears to him in the prison. Paul will now get
his eyes back on the Lord.

Discouragement comes when we get our eyes off the Lord and onto ourselves or others around
us (Hebrews 12:3-4). This is a great hazard in ministry. The Lord is telling Paul to get his eyes
back on Him. Jesus told Paul that he has stood in Jerusalem but will speak in Rome. God’s will
from the beginning was for Paul to preach in Rome, but Paul’s desire was to preach in
Jerusalem. Jerusalem hates Paul. Believers had an all-night prayer meeting for Peter in prison