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Acts 23

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

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?

And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

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;

And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

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.

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

What does Acts 23:19 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:19 captures a moment of personal interaction between the chief captain (Claudius Lysias, according to Acts 23:26) and Paul, who was at this time a prisoner in Jerusalem due to the uproar caused by his teachings.

The captain takes Paul aside with a certain tenderness, perhaps indicative of respect or curiosity, to inquire privately about the information Paul wanted to convey.

This gesture implies that the chief captain was interested in learning more from Paul, possibly to understand the reason for the Jewish leaders' vehement accusations against him, and to determine whether Paul posed any real threat to Roman order or law.

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Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel and it portrays the establishment of the early Christian church and the spread of its message to the Roman Empire.

This scene occurs after Paul's return to Jerusalem, where he was confronted by Jews who accused him of teaching against the Mosaic Law.

The Roman officials, responsible for maintaining peace and security, had to manage these local disputes, often without a thorough understanding of Jewish religious matters.

The chief captain, upon seeing the commotion, arrested Paul to prevent his lynching (Acts 21:31-36) and then sought to comprehend the cause of the tumult.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen in the context of God's providence in Paul's ministry.

God had a purpose for Paul to also witness in Rome (Acts 23:11), and this private conversation is a link in the chain of events that lead to Paul's eventual journey to Rome.

Theologically, it also speaks to how God may use secular authorities and unexpected circumstances to further His divine plan, as Paul is given an opportunity to testify about his faith to a Roman commander.

Practical Applications

In contemporary terms, the actions of the chief captain could be seen as a call to approach conflict with openness and a willingness to understand all sides, rather than jumping to conclusions.

Paul’s calmness in the face of danger is also instructive, indicating the importance of trust in divine protection and purpose.

The situation exemplifies the need for private and calm discussions in the midst of heated public disputes.

Cross-References

Acts 21:31-36 - Describes Paul's arrest and the violent situation from which the chief captain rescued him.
Acts 23:11 - The following night the Lord stood by Paul and told him that he must bear witness in Rome.
Acts 23:26 - References Claudius Lysias, identifying him as the chief captain in this context.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "chief captain" is "χιλίαρχος" (chiliarchos), which literally means "commander of a thousand" and indicates that he was a senior officer in the Roman army, likely responsible for commanding a cohort.

The depth of this term connotes not only the captain’s position but also his authority and capability to protect and interrogate Paul.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient cultures, a Roman military officer taking time to speak privately with a prisoner is notable.

It exhibits a form of Roman legalism where even a prisoner could be granted a degree of respect and a chance to speak, contrasting with the often more arbitrary or brutal conduct depicted in some ancient myths or historical accounts.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives, as it narrates a historical event involving personal interaction and Roman law & procedure.

Nonetheless, modern forensics and investigative psychology recognize the value of private interviews for obtaining truthful information, reflecting the chief captain’s approach to Paul.

commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Acts provide various insights on this passage.

Some focus on the historical accuracy of Luke's account illustrating Roman judicial procedures. Others might emphasize the divine aspect of Paul's experience, noting how providence ensured Paul's safety and enabled his message to reach the Roman authorities.

Some also note the significance of Paul being given respect and the opportunity to speak, showcasing the possibility of mutual respect between opposing parties, even in a situation of conflict and turmoil.

Acts 23

Acts 23

What does Acts 23:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 23:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?