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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 23:34 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:34 refers to a moment when Paul the Apostle, who has been arrested and accused by the Jewish leaders of causing unrest, has been sent to the Roman governor to be judged.

Upon receiving Paul, and the letter sent by the commander Lysias, the governor inquires about Paul's provenance.

Learning that Paul is from Cilicia, a Roman province in the southeastern part of what is modern-day Turkey, likely had implications for how the governor would handle Paul's case.

This verse underscores the Roman administrative process and the importance of jurisdiction in legal matters.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time of Acts 23:34, Judea was a province of the Roman Empire, and the Romans had a complex administrative system in place to manage the various regions under their control.

Roman governors were responsible for maintaining peace and overseeing justice in their territories.

Cilicia was another Roman province, and as a citizen of that province, Paul would have had certain rights under Roman law.

The identity of the governor mentioned in Acts 23:34 is not specified, but he likely resided in Caesarea, which was the seat of the Roman governor for the Judea province.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen as part of the larger narrative of Acts, which often emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the spread of the Gospel despite human opposition.

Some theologians interpret the thorough Roman judicial process that Paul experiences as part of divine providence to bring Paul to Rome, as he had earlier expressed his intention to go there (Acts 19:21).

Additionally, Paul's Roman citizenship, which accorded him certain protections and rights, can be understood as part of God's plan for Paul's mission.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 23:34 can be used to reflect on the importance of civil justice and how Christians should engage with governmental systems.

It can also inspire individuals to consider their own identity and citizenship, both earthly and heavenly, and the responsibilities that come with them.

This situation also emphasizes due process and the necessity to be informed about one's own rights within their country's legal framework.

Cross-References

Acts 22:25-29: This is where Paul reveals his Roman citizenship to the Roman commander, which affects how he is treated.
Acts 25:1-12: Further discusses Paul's trials and appeals as a Roman citizen.
Acts 19:21: Paul’s intention to visit Rome is expressed here.
Acts 21:39: Paul declares he is from Tarsus in Cilicia.

Language Study

In Acts 23:34, the key phrases in the original Greek text are worth examining:

"ἀναγνοὺς" (anagnosis): translated as "had read," refers to the governor reading the letter.
"ἐπυνθάνετο" (epynthaneto): translated as "asked," indicates the governor's inquiry regarding Paul's origins.
"Κιλικίας" (Kilikias): is the Greek for "Cilicia," the province in which Tarsus, Paul's birthplace, was located.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures and religions, one's city or region of origin could also play a significant role.

For example, in ancient Greece, city-states (polis) had their own identity, and citizens often had specific rights and duties within them.

In terms of religious parallels, many religions place significance on the birthplace of their founders or central figures, though the implications for legal or civil matters might differ from the judeo-Christian context.

Scientific Perspectives

While there isn't a direct link between this specific verse and modern scientific understandings, it can be related to the fields of archaeology and anthropology, which study ancient societies and their governance structures.

The reference to Roman administrative procedures allows for a glimpse into the historical and social infrastructure of the time.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse help to contextualize Paul's circumstance within the Roman legal system and its historical importance.

For example, the Expositor's Greek Testament states that learning that Paul was from Cilicia might imply that the governor needed to ascertain whether the case fell within his jurisdiction.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible discusses the implications of Paul being a Roman and the governor discerning the best course of action.

Many also note that this inquiry by the governor was in keeping with Roman protocols for legal proceedings.

Acts 23

Acts 23

What does Acts 23:34 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 23:34 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?