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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 23:31 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:31 describes a scene where Roman soldiers are executing orders to protect Paul, a central figure in the New Testament.

The verse is clear in its narrative, stating that the soldiers took Paul and brought him to Antipatris during the night.

This verse is part of a larger story where Paul is in danger from a Jewish plot against his life.

As a Roman citizen, Paul is afforded protection by the Roman authorities, who are taking him to the provincial capital, Caesarea, to stand trial.

The nocturnal journey to Antipatris demonstrates the urgency the Roman centurion and his men felt in ensuring Paul's safety.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, provides a historical account of the early Christian church and the spread of its teachings following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts 23 is set against the backdrop of tension between Jewish religious leaders and followers of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Paul, formerly a persecutor of Christians, had become a devout advocate for the faith and was spreading the Christian message to both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews).

Antipatris was a city built by Herod the Great and named after his father, Antipater.

It was located in the Roman province of Judea, roughly halfway between Jerusalem and Caesarea. Since Roman soldiers were tasked with keeping peace in the region, ensuring Paul's safe conduct to a legal hearing was in line with their duties.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Acts 23:31 demonstrates divine providence in the preservation of Paul's life and mission. For Christians, the protection offered by the Roman soldiers can be viewed as evidence of God working through secular authorities to enable Paul to continue his ministry.

Furthermore, for theologians who speak about the sovereignty of God, this verse exemplifies how God may use various means, including governmental structures, to accomplish His purposes.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, this verse can be seen as an encouragement to trust in God's protection and provision, even in perilous situations. It also can serve as a reminder of the validity of lawful authority and order, and how such systems can be used for the greater good.

Christians might be inspired to respect and pray for governmental and law enforcement institutions that endeavor to maintain justice and safety.

Cross-References

Here are some related biblical verses:

Romans 13:1-4: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Acts 23:12-14: The plot against Paul.
Acts 23:24: Paul is to be brought to Felix the governor.
Acts 24:1: Paul's trial before Felix in Caesarea.

Language Study

The original Greek text of Acts provides nuances to keywords such as "soldiers" (στρατιῶται) denoting a military force, reflecting the discipline and authority of the Roman army.

The verb "took" (ἐπιλαβόμενοι), in this context, suggests not just physical taking but also undertaking responsibility for Paul's safety.

The name "Antipatris" (Ἀντιπατρίς) has a Greek origin, identifying the geographic and historic significance of the location.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons to other ancient texts and practices might include references to how various cultures regarded law enforcement and the role of soldiers in society.

For instance, Roman soldiers were bound by a strict code of duty, which is reflected in this verse.

Among religious practices, Judaism at the time had the concept of cities of refuge, where those accused of crimes could flee for safety pending trial (Joshua 20:2-3), although Paul's situation differs as he is under Roman protection.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may provide insights into travel logistics and the security measures typical of the Roman military operations of the time.

Examination of the geographical location of Antipatris reveals its strategic importance in terms of military transport and communication within the Roman Empire.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have provided interpretations of Acts 23:31.

Some focus on the historical accuracy of Luke's account, noting the precise mention of Antipatris as demonstration of Luke's knowledge of local geography.

Others comment on the broader narrative of Paul's missionary work and the many obstacles he faced, including this escape from a plot against his life.

Commentators often point out the irony that Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, is now being protected by Roman soldiers from persecution by his fellow Jews. They also highlight the way God uses even political and military means to ensure that His message and messenger are preserved.

Acts 23

Acts 23

What does Acts 23:31 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 23:31 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?