23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.
23 The captain called up two centurions. "Get two hundred soldiers ready to go immediately to Caesarea. Also seventy cavalry and two hundred light infantry. I want them ready to march by nine o'clock tonight.
23 And he called for two centurions, saying, "Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night;
23 Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get 200Â soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight. Also take 200Â spearmen and 70Â mounted troops.
31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris.
31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
31 The soldiers, following orders, took Paul that same night to safety in Antipatris.
31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
31 So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris.
(Read Acts 23:25-35)
God has instruments for every work. The natural abilities and moral virtues of the heathens often have been employed to protect his persecuted servants. Even the men of the world can discern between the conscientious conduct of upright believers, and the zeal of false professors, though they disregard or understand not their doctrinal principles. All hearts are in God's hand, and those are blessed who put their trust in him, and commit their ways unto him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 23:23
Commentary on Acts 23:12-24
(Read Acts 23:12-24)
False religious principles, adopted by carnal men, urge on to such wickedness, as human nature would hardly be supposed capable of. Yet the Lord readily disappoints the best concerted schemes of iniquity. Paul knew that the Divine providence acts by reasonable and prudent means; and that, if he neglected to use the means in his power, he could not expect God's providence to work on his behalf. He who will not help himself according to his means and power, has neither reason nor revelation to assure him that he shall receive help from God. Believing in the Lord, we and ours shall be kept from every evil work, and kept to his kingdom. Heavenly Father, give us by thy Holy Spirit, for Christ's sake, this precious faith.