Acts 23:11

"Take courage": This statement may infer that Paul was discouraged as. result of such efforts. Would he be delivered from the unbelieving Jews in Judea? Inside this prison it seemed like there was no field of usefulness. And what had happened to his plans to visit Rome and preach in Spain? (Romans 15:24). Jesus typically appeared to Paul in times of greatest need, "when danger and reason for despondency were greatest, and when human companionship was most lacking" (Reese p. 823). Compare with Acts 22:18; Acts 18:9; Acts 27:23. Jesus often told the faithful, "take courage" (Matthew 9:2; Matthew 9:27; Matthew 14:27; John 16:33). "For as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem": This solemn witness includes his speeches in Chapter s 21 and this chapter. "You must witness at Rome also": So for the first time Paul hears God's plan, Paul is indeed going to Rome! Thus, the inference is that the Jews will not kill him, but rather he will go to Rome.