Be of Good Courage
Acts 23:11
“Be of good cheer.”
The word employed indicates courage rather than cheerfulness.… The word that the Lord addressed … to the imprisoned apostle was a word suggestive of that strength of heart which is at once the inspiration of daring and the reason of cheerfulness.…
Paul was not grieved by reason of his own imprisonment. He was troubled because he was an ambassador in bonds, and his high purpose was being hindered. It was night, when suddenly the Lord spoke to him; and said “Be of good courage,” Paul, there is nothing to be afraid of.…
Inclusively, Christ had one argument with which to confront fear—Himself. There is nothing else to say. To every force which challenges the soul of man He opposes Himself.… What He did. . . was to place Himself between the assaulted soul and the assaulting foe.… I think after that Paul lay down in the prison and had a restful sleep till the morning. Be of good courage!…
When devoted to high purpose and holy service, thou art baffled, beaten, prevented, hindered, be of good courage,… look to your Lord, and with eyes fastened upon Him listen to His word, “Be of good courage.” That means when He says it, that He puts Himself between thy soul and all the forces in hell and earth that may be against thee.
G. Campbell Morgan, The Westminster Pulpit