Acts 23 23

Acts 23:23 kjv

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;

Acts 23:23 nkjv

And he called for two centurions, saying, "Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night;

Acts 23:23 niv

Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.

Acts 23:23 esv

Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.

Acts 23:23 nlt

Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops.

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 23 Meaning

Acts 23:23 describes the urgent and secretive preparations by the Roman commander Claudius Lysias to transfer the Apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea. Following the discovery of a plot to ambush and kill Paul by Jewish zealots, Lysias ensures Paul's safety and continued legal process by providing an overwhelmingly large military escort, dispatching them swiftly and under the cover of night. This action underscores the Roman commitment to order and their legal procedures, even while inadvertently protecting a key figure in the spread of the Gospel.

Acts 23 23 Context

Acts chapter 23 immediately precedes this verse with the revelation of a murderous plot against Paul. Having previously saved Paul from an angry mob (Acts 21), allowed him to address the crowd and the Sanhedrin (Acts 22-23), commander Claudius Lysias learns of a forty-man Jewish conspiracy to ambush and kill Paul while he was being brought before the Sanhedrin again. Paul's nephew hears of the plot and informs Lysias. Recognizing the grave threat to a Roman citizen and the potential disruption to Roman order, Lysias acts decisively to transfer Paul out of Jerusalem to the Roman provincial capital, Caesarea, where Governor Felix resided. The meticulous preparation of the large escort described in verse 23 reflects the gravity of the perceived threat and Lysias's determination to uphold Roman law and protect his prisoner.

Acts 23 23 Word analysis

• Then he called: Greek kai proskalesamenos (καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος). proskaleō means "to call to oneself, summon." It indicates Lysias taking initiative and direct command, emphasizing the urgency and authority in his actions.
• to himself: This emphasizes Lysias's personal involvement and direct instruction, rather than delegating entirely. It conveys a private or confidential summons.
• two: Greek duo (δύο). The specificity highlights precision and careful planning. Not just one, but two, suggesting verification or immediate execution of orders without delay.
• of the centurions: Greek ton hekatontarchōn (τῶν ἑκατονταρχῶν). Hekatontarchēs refers to a commander of 100 soldiers in the Roman army, a significant officer often of Italian descent, holding authority and military discipline. Lysias chooses experienced and reliable officers for this critical mission.
• and said: Simple statement indicating direct verbal orders.
• Prepare: Greek hetoimasate (ἑτοιμάσατε). hetoimazō means "to make ready, prepare." It denotes active preparation and organization for the immediate departure.
• two hundred soldiers: Greek stratiōtas diakosiou (στρατιώτας διακοσίους). Strateiōtēs refers to a foot soldier. A large number indicating the seriousness of the escort and the commander's belief in the threat. This is a substantial force for prisoner transport, implying an exceptional level of security.
• mounted men: Greek hippeis hebdomekonta (ἱππεῖς ἑβδομήκοντα). Hippeis refers to horsemen or cavalry. Their inclusion indicates a rapid movement capability and additional armed strength, crucial for guarding against ambushes in open terrain and ensuring a swift journey.
• and spearmen: Greek dexiolabous diakosiou (δεξιολάβους διακοσίους). This term, dexiolabos, is rare, possibly unique to Acts in the New Testament. Scholars interpret it as "right-hand men," potentially referring to elite guards, spearmen, or light-armed infantry. Their specific inclusion emphasizes specialized protection against a sudden attack, perhaps with specific weapons like javelins.
• to go to Caesarea: Greek poreuesthai eis Kaisareian (πορεύεσθαι εἰς Καισάρειαν). Kaisareia (Caesarea Maritima) was the Roman administrative capital of Judea, on the coast. It was the seat of the Roman governor and home to significant Roman legions, offering a secure environment away from the volatile Jerusalem.
• by the third hour of the night: Greek apo tritēs hōras tēs nyktos (ἀπὸ τρίτης ὥρας τῆς νυκτός). This translates to around 9 PM (assuming Roman reckoning where the night was divided into four watches, or 6 PM to 6 AM and three hours after sunset). This time specifies urgency, secrecy, and avoidance of daytime detection by the conspirators or agitated populace, facilitating a stealthy departure under the cloak of darkness.

Words-group analysis:

• "Then he called to himself two of the centurions": Highlights the strategic selection of reliable subordinate officers and the commander's immediate personal engagement in the high-stakes situation. Lysias's direct authority is evident.
• "Prepare two hundred soldiers, mounted men, and spearmen": This formidable enumeration of forces demonstrates the meticulous planning and the Roman military's efficiency and capability. The sheer number (470 total) indicates an extreme measure of security, far beyond what would typically be assigned for a single prisoner, underlining the Roman value placed on protecting Roman citizens and maintaining order.
• "to go to Caesarea by the third hour of the night": This phrase conveys the critical elements of destination (safety under Roman governance) and timing (secrecy, urgency, swift action). The nighttime departure ensured minimal interference and maximum strategic advantage against the plotters.

Acts 23 23 Bonus section

The significant military force assembled (estimated around 470 men) indicates not only the severity of the threat but also Claudius Lysias's personal investment in delivering Paul safely to Governor Felix. Lysias's previous interaction with Paul confirmed Paul's Roman citizenship, which imposed a high duty on Lysias for Paul's protection and due legal process. The journey to Caesarea from Jerusalem, approximately 60-70 miles, typically took 2-3 days, but with such a strong escort starting at night, they likely covered much of the distance swiftly. The use of specific Roman military units and the adherence to precise timings showcase the formidable structure and disciplined nature of the Roman Empire, which, despite its imperfections, became an unwitting facilitator of the Gospel's spread by providing stability and secure routes.

Acts 23 23 Commentary

Acts 23:23 succinctly illustrates the Roman state's apparatus in action: efficient, disciplined, and focused on maintaining civil order and judicial process. Lysias's rapid response, driven by his responsibility to a Roman citizen and his understanding of the serious plot, bypasses the corrupted religious establishment in Jerusalem. The massive military escort is not just about Paul's safety but also a powerful display of Roman authority, discouraging any further attempts by Jewish zealots. This unexpected Roman protection for Paul, who was accused by Jews, highlights God's sovereign hand using secular powers to advance His divine purposes, including ensuring Paul's eventual testimony before kings, as promised by the Lord (Acts 23:11, Acts 9:15).