{The night following} ( (8869) epious(8869) nukti). Locative
case, on the next (following) night. {The Lord} (ho kurios).
Jesus. Paul never needed Jesus more than now. On a previous
occasion the whole church prayed for Peter's release ( 12:5 ),
but Paul clearly had no such grip on the church as that, though
he had been kindly welcomed ( 21:18 ). In every crisis Jesus
appears to him (cf. Ac 18:9 ). It looked dark for Paul till
Jesus spoke. Once before in Jerusalem Jesus spoke words of cheer
( 22:18 ). Then he was told to leave Jerusalem. Now he is to have
"cheer" or "courage" ( harsei). Jesus used this very word to
others ( Mt 9:2,22 Mr 10:49 ). It is a brave word. {Thou hast
testified} (diemartur(935c)). First aorist middle indicative second
person singular of diamarturomai, strong word (see on 氧2:18|).
{Must thou} (se dei). That is the needed word and on this Paul
leans. His hopes ( 19:21 ) of going to Rome will not be in vain.
He can bide Christ's time now. And Jesus has approved his witness
in Jerusalem.
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