Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 23:19

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?

He took him by the hand as a token of courtesy: These Commanders shewing an excellent example of humanity and pity towards their inferiors and supposed criminals. There are several reasons given of this great civility here us[illegible: 1 letter]d, as the chief Captain's naturally meek temper; or his policy to satisfy for the injury he had done to Paul, in binding of him being a Roman; nay, some think that he, as well as Felix the Governour, hoped for money to be given unto him, Chap. 24 26. but all these are but guess. It is [illegible: 1 letter]ure, what of any of these causes were, or were not, God is to be seen and acknowledged in it, who hath the hearts of all men in his hands, and turneth them as it pleaseth him, Prov. 21.1.