Keraia
Acts 23

Acts 23:27

Paul Sent to Felix · Acts 23:23–35
Read Acts 23

Translations

Modern
This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,
Traditional
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
Literal
This man having been seized by the Jews and being about to be killed by them—having come up with the troop, I rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.
Latin
Virum hunc comprehensum a Judæis, et incipientem interfici ab eis, superveniens cum exercitu eripui, cognito quia Romanus est.

Original

Greek
English
This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,

Notes

Acts 23:26–30

  • The letter from Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix follows the common form of a Hellenistic letter (a standard Greek-style letter used in that time). It names the writer and the recipient, gives a greeting, and explains the main issue. However, it does not include a closing farewell (see study note on 15:29).

    The letter also summarizes the events leading up to it and explains the actions taken. It shows that the commander believed he had followed proper Roman legal procedures.

  • His Excellency: This title was often used for people with high social, political, or economic status (Luke 1:3).

Acts 23:23–35

A large group riding horses safely brought Paul to the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea, the Roman headquarters for Judea. Paul would have more protection there than in Jerusalem. The soldiers carried out the mission that night with great care and secrecy (23:31).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Jewish High Council Persecution

Events

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Places

Rome: Capital city of the Roman Empire

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Claudius Lysias Courts and Trials Felix, Antonius History of Israel Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Procurator

Topics

Caesarea by Roman Soldiers to be Tried by Felix Change of Venue: Granted Paul Christian Minister: Persecution: Paul Claudius Lysius: Sends Paul to Felix Felix: Paul Tried Before Letters: Claudius Lysias to Felix Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard The Roman Empire: Allusions to Judicial Affairs of Accused Person Protected from Popular Violence