Acts 23 19

Acts 23:19 kjv

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?

Acts 23:19 nkjv

Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Acts 23:19 niv

The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"

Acts 23:19 esv

The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Acts 23:19 nlt

The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 19 Meaning

Acts 23:19 describes the precise and discreet actions of Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, immediately after Paul's nephew relayed news of a plot against Paul's life. The verse emphasizes the commander's personal engagement and urgency in securing critical intelligence privately. He took the young man aside, initiating a confidential conversation to understand the vital information.

Acts 23 19 Context

Chapter 23 Context: Chapter 23 of Acts immediately follows Paul's arrest in Jerusalem after an angry Jewish mob accuses him of profaning the Temple. He is brought before the Sanhedrin, where his declaration of being a Pharisee and his belief in the resurrection cause a deep rift between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to a violent uproar. In response to the escalating tension and a divine reassurance, a clandestine plot by more than forty zealous Jews is formed to ambush and kill Paul. This plot is overheard by Paul's nephew, who then dutifully reports it to Paul, who then instructs him to tell the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. Acts 23:19 is the commander's immediate, personal response to this crucial intelligence. Following this conversation, Lysias orchestrates a secure, armed transfer of Paul to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix, thus circumventing the assassination plot.

Historical Context: This incident takes place during a period of significant political and religious unrest in Judea under Roman rule. The Jewish populace, particularly extremist factions, frequently clashed with Roman authority and sometimes with other Jewish sects. Roman prefects and procurators in Judea were tasked with maintaining order, often facing hostile Jewish groups and complex internal Jewish disputes. As a Roman citizen, Paul possessed specific legal rights, including the right to a fair trial and protection from summary execution or mob violence. Claudius Lysias, the chiliarch (commander), was acutely aware of his duty to protect a Roman citizen and prevent any further civil disturbance. His actions reflect typical Roman pragmatism in handling intelligence—valuing direct, private communication for sensitive matters, especially those concerning public order and the safety of a citizen, which could have political ramifications if mishandled. The commander's discretion and quick action underscore the precariousness of the situation and the efficiency of the Roman military hierarchy.

Acts 23 19 Word analysis

• Then (δὲ - de): A connective particle. It signals a shift or progression in the narrative, indicating that the commander's action is a direct consequence or the next step following the nephew's report.
• the commander (ὁ χιλίαρχος - ho chiliarchos): Refers to Claudius Lysias. This title (chiliarch, or tribune) denotes his significant military authority over a thousand soldiers, highlighting the official weight behind his actions and his responsibility for maintaining order and justice.
• took him by the hand (ἐπιλαβόμενος τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ - epilabomenos tēs cheiros autou): The Greek verb epilambanomai means "to take hold of, seize, grasp firmly." This gesture is more than just polite; it signifies a decisive act of taking control, leading, or providing reassurance. In this context, it implies a firm, yet guiding, lead to ensure the boy's cooperation and facilitate their private movement.
• drew him aside (ἀναχωρήσας εἰς τὸ μέρος - anachōrēsas eis to meros): Anachōreō means "to withdraw," "to retire," or "to go apart." Eis to meros translates to "into a part/section" or "aside." This indicates a deliberate move to a private area, emphasizing the confidential and sensitive nature of the information to be discussed.
• and asked (ἐπυνθάνετο - epunthaneto): The imperfect tense of punthanomai ("to inquire, learn by inquiry") suggests an ongoing or immediate commencement of the questioning process. It reflects the commander's focused, investigative posture.
• privately (κατ’ ἰδίαν - kat' idian): A phrase meaning "by oneself," "apart," or "privately." It further emphasizes the exclusive and secretive nature of the conversation, reinforcing that no other ears should overhear this crucial information concerning an assassination plot.
• 'What is it (Τί ἐστιν - Ti estin): A direct, imperative question. This phrasing is immediate and efficient, conveying the commander's urgency and directness in seeking the core facts without preamble.
• that you have to tell me?' (ὃ ἔχεις ἀπαγγεῖλαί μοι - ho echeis apangeilai moi): Apaggellō means "to report, announce, deliver a message." The commander is inviting the nephew to fully convey his urgent intelligence, indicating his receptiveness and expectation of an important report.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then the commander took him by the hand, drew him aside": This sequence of actions powerfully conveys the commander's immediate and purposeful engagement. The physical act of "taking him by the hand" suggests both authority and a surprising level of personal attention or even kindness from a high-ranking official towards a young civilian. Drawing him "aside" highlights a commitment to securing privacy for what he anticipated would be a sensitive matter. These actions underscore his responsibility and seriousness in handling crucial information about the safety of a Roman citizen.
• "and asked privately, 'What is it that you have to tell me?'": This combination reinforces the vital importance of discretion and directness in obtaining intelligence. The adverb "privately" reiterates the confidential setting, vital for such a grave matter as a murder plot. The commander's terse and precise question, "What is it that you have to tell me?" shows a mind focused purely on obtaining the facts, without ceremony or delay. It is a pragmatic official demanding urgent, factual disclosure.

Acts 23 19 Bonus section

• The immediate, hands-on approach by the Roman commander is quite striking. It reflects an underlying sense of Roman administrative responsibility for maintaining order and for the welfare of a Roman citizen, even a prisoner. It contrasts sharply with the fanaticism of the Jewish conspirators, demonstrating the civil order God uses.
• This instance emphasizes the importance of discrete communication when dealing with sensitive information, a principle applicable even today in various contexts. It underlines how vital intelligence, delivered at the right moment and to the right person, can alter outcomes significantly.
• The commander's promptness saved Paul's life and effectively derailed the assassins' careful plan. This serves as a testament to God's sovereign control, frustrating the schemes of those who oppose His will and using individuals like Claudius Lysias, who might not even acknowledge God, to achieve His divine plan.

Acts 23 19 Commentary

Acts 23:19 is a concise yet pivotal verse that highlights the meticulous and professional conduct of the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. Faced with unexpected information from a young boy regarding a plot against Paul's life, Lysias acts with immediate decisiveness and wisdom. His actions of taking Paul's nephew "by the hand" and drawing him "aside" are significant; they convey both a physical guidance and a symbolic gesture of personal attention and discretion. In the context of Roman military protocol, this was a clear signal of the matter's urgency and confidentiality, ensuring no details could be inadvertently overheard or leak out.

The commander's direct question, "What is it that you have to tell me?", cuts straight to the core, reflecting the efficiency characteristic of Roman administration. This seemingly minor interaction showcases divine providence at work. God uses the most unexpected channels – a concerned nephew and a pagan Roman official – to protect His chosen apostle. This incident demonstrates that even within a foreign governmental system, God's sovereign hand guides events to ensure His purposes for Paul's ministry are fulfilled, ultimately leading Paul to appear before Caesar in Rome, a testimony to the Gospel in the imperial capital. It serves as an encouragement that God is active in unexpected ways to protect His people and advance His kingdom.