19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"
19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?
19 The captain took him by the arm and led him aside privately. "What is it? What do you have to tell me?
19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside and asked privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?
19 The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 23:19
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.