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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 23:12-35

We have here the story of a plot against the life of Paul; how it was laid, how it was discovered, and how it was defeated. I. How this plot was laid. They found they could gain nothing by popular tumult, or legal process, and therefore have a recourse to the barbarous method of assassination; they will come upon him suddenly, and stab him, if they can but get him within their reach. So restless is their malice against this good man that, when one design fails, they will turn another stone.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 23:25-35

23:25-35 The commander wrote a letter to the following effect, "Claudius Lysias to his excellency Felix, the governor--greetings! When this man was seized by the Jews and when he was going to be murdered by them, I stepped in with the guard and rescued him, for I learned that he was a Roman citizen. As I wished to discover the charges on which they accused him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin. I found that he was accused of some questions of their Law and was under no charge deserving... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 23:27

This man was taken by the Jews ,.... Meaning Paul, who was presented by the centurions to the governor, and was in his presence when the letter was opened and read, and who was taken by the Jews in the temple, and from thence dragged out and beaten by them: and should have been killed of them ; and would have been killed, had it not been for the chief captain; he was very near being killed by them, he was nigh unto death: then came I with an army and rescued him ; he came with the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 23:27

Verse 27− 27.This man being taken. This was spoken odiously concerning the Jews, that he might purchase more favor for Paul, that a man, being a Roman, was by them sore beaten, and almost slain; also, he commendeth him for the right and privilege of his freedom, that he may be the more courteously handled. Furthermore, this commendation was not purchased by prayer or flattery, neither was it bought with money. How came it to pass, then, that the chief captain did show himself so courteous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:12-35

Special providence. It is difficult to define exactly what we mean by a special providence. Not one sparrow falls to the ground without our heavenly Father, who works all things after the counsel of his own will, and makes all things "work together for good to them that love him, to them who are the called according to his purpose" ( Romans 8:28 ). And yet there are times and occasions when the overruling and controlling hand of God is seen more clearly and more markedly than usual,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:12-35

Paul at Caesarea. I. " THE LORD IS MINDFUL OF HIS OWN ." Recall the beautiful song in Mendelssohn's 'St. Paul.' 1. The craft of their foes. They conspire against the righteous with a zeal worthy of a better cause ( Acts 23:12 , Acts 23:13 ); and cloak their designs under pious pretexts ( Acts 23:14 , Acts 23:15 ). 2. The Divine protection. He brings the counsels of wickedness to light ( Acts 23:16 ). The young man, whoever he was, Christian Or otherwise,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:12-35

Conspiracy defeated. The " must " of the Lord's midnight message interpreted by events. Divine providence working. The Christian stands still and sees the salvation. The Word of God is instead of human calculations and predictions. How different from fatalism in such a case as Livingstone in the dangers of his African mission reminds us that there is a feeling of confidence in our weakness which is like a vision in the night. Notice— I. THE GUILT OF FANATICISM . The forty... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 23:27

Seized by for taken of, A.V.; was about to be slain for should have been killed, A.V.; when I came for then came I, A.V.; upon them with the soldiers for with an army, A.V.; learned for understood, A.V. The soldiers ( τὸστράτευμα , as Acts 23:10 ). The army of the A.V. is out of place. Having learned , etc. Lysias departs here from strict truth, wishing, no doubt, to set off his zeal in defense of a Roman citizen, and also to anticipate any unfavorable report... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 23:27

Should have been killed of them - Was about to be killed by them. The life of Paul had been twice endangered in this manner, Acts 21:30; Acts 23:10.With an army - With a band of soldiers, Acts 23:10. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 23:23-30

Acts 23:23-30. And he called two centurions In whom he could particularly confide; saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers Thus the chief captain prudently sends Paul away to Cesarea by night, under a strong guard, to the governor Felix. Provide them beasts If a change should be necessary; to set Paul on So we read of his riding once, but not by choice. And he wrote a letter, &c. To Felix on the occasion; which may be considered as a specimen of the Roman method of writing... read more

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