Acts 23 22

Acts 23:22 kjv

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.

Acts 23:22 nkjv

So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me."

Acts 23:22 niv

The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: "Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me."

Acts 23:22 esv

So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of these things."

Acts 23:22 nlt

"Don't let anyone know you told me this," the commander warned the young man.

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 22 Meaning

Acts 23:22 describes a crucial moment where Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, dismisses Paul's nephew after being informed of the Jewish plot to assassinate Paul. The commander gives the nephew a strict order: to tell no one about the conversation, particularly the information concerning the ambush. This instruction underscores the commander's prudence and intent to act swiftly and discreetly to ensure Paul's safety, without tipping off the conspirators. It highlights the secretive nature of the threat and the immediate protective measures taken by the Roman authority.

Acts 23 22 Context

Acts 23 details a dramatic turn of events for the Apostle Paul. After facing accusations from the Jews before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court), a violent dispute erupts, necessitating the Roman commander Claudius Lysias to rescue Paul. Fearing further unrest and possibly for Paul's life, the commander arranges to send Paul to Felix, the governor, in Caesarea. Crucially, before this transfer, more than forty zealous Jews form a sworn conspiracy, vowing not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12-14). Paul's nephew, overhearing this plot, courageously reports it to Paul, who then instructs him to inform the commander (Acts 23:16-18). Acts 23:22 directly follows the nephew's relaying of the plot to Claudius Lysias. The commander's directive for secrecy is a tactical move to maintain control and ensure the successful execution of his plan to protect Paul from the ambush. Historically, the Roman authorities aimed to maintain peace and order within their provinces, and a planned assassination, especially of a Roman citizen like Paul, would be a serious breach of that order. The narrative highlights the providential care of God for Paul's life and ministry amidst intense opposition.

Acts 23 22 Word analysis

• So (οὖν - oun): A common conjunction, indicating a continuation or consequence. Here, it signifies the direct response of the commander to the information received. It connects his action to the nephew's revelation.

• the commander (ὁ χιλίαρχος - ho chiliarchos): Refers to Claudius Lysias, the military tribune. Chiliarchos literally means "commander of a thousand," denoting a high-ranking officer in the Roman army, equivalent to a tribune. His authority and responsibility are paramount in this narrative.

• dismissed (ἀπολύω - apolyō): To let go, send away, release. This indicates the completion of the nephew's immediate task and his subsequent release from the commander's presence. It suggests an official, purposeful ending to the interview.

• the young man (τὸν νεανίσκον - ton neaniskon): Paul's nephew. The term neaniskos typically refers to a young man, often aged between 20 and 40. His age underscores the courage and presence of mind required to approach a Roman commander with such grave information.

• instructing him (παραγγείλας - paranggeilas): A participle meaning "having given orders" or "commanded." This highlights the imperative nature of the commander's subsequent words. It's not a suggestion but a directive from authority.

• "Tell no one (μηδενὶ εἰπεῖν - mēdeni eipein)": This is a direct command in the infinitive, emphatic by the negation mēdeni (no one). The secrecy is critical. It signifies the confidential nature of the plot and the need to prevent any leak that might jeopardize Paul's safety or the commander's countermeasures. It reflects military precision and tactical thinking.

• "that you have revealed these things to me (ταῦτά μοι ἐξήγγειλας - tauta moi exēggeilas)": This clarifies what must remain secret: the fact that Paul's nephew was the source of the intelligence regarding the Jewish plot. Exēggeilas means "you declared," "you announced," or "you reported." The secrecy protects the source and prevents the conspirators from realizing their plot has been discovered. It also protects the Roman commander's strategic advantage.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So the commander dismissed the young man, instructing him": This phrase shows Lysias taking charge of the situation and the nephew fulfilling his role. The rapid transition from information reception to giving orders shows a leader who is decisive and astute, immediately processing the threat and acting upon it. This demonstrates good Roman governance and the chain of command.
  • "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me": This imperative sentence emphasizes the commander's strategic acumen. The need for absolute secrecy underlines the dangerous nature of the plot and the urgency for swift, unnoticed intervention. It serves both to protect the informer (the nephew) and to preserve the element of surprise against the conspirators, ensuring the success of Paul's transfer. It shows that Lysias values the integrity of intelligence and acts decisively.

Acts 23 22 Bonus section

The brevity of the encounter between Lysias and the nephew, culminating in this single, critical command, suggests the efficiency of the Roman administrative and military system. There's no lengthy deliberation, just immediate, calculated action. The commander's wisdom in trusting Paul's nephew, given the volatile situation and the lack of a personal relationship, speaks to his judgment; he likely discerned the sincerity and gravity in the young man's report. This also hints at Paul's nephew's courage and genuine concern for his uncle, acting as an unexpected instrument in God's preservation of Paul. This act of civil obedience from the nephew in reporting to the authorities aligns with Christian principles of submitting to governing powers (Rom 13:1-7) when not conflicting with divine command, especially when such submission contributes to justice and safety.

Acts 23 22 Commentary

Acts 23:22, though concise, is highly significant. It reveals Claudius Lysias's strategic mind and commitment to maintaining Roman law and order, as well as protecting Paul as a Roman citizen. His instruction for secrecy is not merely cautious; it's a vital tactical maneuver to ensure the safe passage of Paul to Caesarea. Had the plotters known their scheme was discovered, they might have either escalated their attempts or fled, complicating matters for Roman authority. This verse quietly demonstrates God's hand in protecting His servant Paul through secular channels. The immediate and firm dismissal of the nephew with such a precise directive underscores the gravity with which the commander viewed the intelligence. This simple instruction paved the way for the dramatic night march detailed in the following verses, ensuring Paul's miraculous deliverance from a zealous and murderous conspiracy. It exemplifies prudence in the face of peril, highlighting the intersection of human action, divine providence, and civil authority.