Acts 23 24

Acts 23:24 kjv

And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

Acts 23:24 nkjv

and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor."

Acts 23:24 niv

Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."

Acts 23:24 esv

Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor."

Acts 23:24 nlt

Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix."

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 24 Meaning

This verse describes the Roman commander Claudius Lysias's explicit instructions to ensure the safe and expedited transfer of the Apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea. Paul was to be provided with a mount and a military escort to protect him from a Jewish plot to assassinate him, so he could be brought unharmed to Governor Felix for trial.

Acts 23 24 Context

Acts chapter 23 immediately follows Paul's tumultuous appearance before the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. During this assembly, Paul, ever resourceful, cleverly highlighted the Sadducees' and Pharisees' doctrinal differences regarding the resurrection of the dead. This created such a division that the Roman commander Lysias had to intervene with force to extract Paul from the ensuing violent quarrel, fearing he would be torn apart. Paul was then returned to the Roman barracks. That night, the Lord Jesus appeared to Paul, affirming His presence and encouraging Paul with the promise that just as he had testified about Him in Jerusalem, he would also bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11). Unbeknownst to Lysias, forty zealous Jews had conspired and bound themselves by an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12-15). This plot was overheard by Paul's nephew, who reported it to Paul and then to Lysias (Acts 23:16-22).

Faced with a serious assassination plot and the political ramifications of a Roman citizen being murdered on his watch, Lysias quickly devises a plan. This verse (24) is a part of the detailed instructions given by Lysias to two centurions to ensure Paul's secure transfer to Caesarea, the Roman administrative capital of Judea, where Governor Felix resided. The commander decided that Paul needed to be heard by a higher authority, as the situation in Jerusalem had become too volatile.

Acts 23 24 Word analysis

• And provide: The Greek verb is parastēsai (παραστῆσαι), an aorist active infinitive from paristēmi, meaning "to place beside, present, furnish, provide." It implies an active arrangement, not merely an offer. Lysias is giving a clear command for resources to be made available. This highlights the Roman administrative efficiency and Lysias's proactive measures.
• beasts: The Greek term is ktēnē (κτηνὴ), meaning "domestic animals," often specifically those used for burden or riding, like horses, mules, or donkeys. The plural suggests provision for Paul and potentially other necessary personnel, indicating a thoughtful, practical arrangement for travel. It ensures Paul would not have to travel on foot, especially given his recent ordeal.
• for Paul: Refers specifically to the Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus). He is the central figure in this dramatic narrative, and the subject of both Jewish wrath and divine protection through human means.
• to ride: The Greek verb is epitibibasai (ἐπιβιβάσαι), an aorist active infinitive from epibibazō, meaning "to cause to mount," or "to put on a beast of burden." This is an instruction for the soldiers to ensure Paul gets onto the animal, suggesting his possible weakness, or simply an emphasis on the convenience and necessity of him riding for such a long journey. This was a privilege often reserved for those of status or requiring rapid transport, not common prisoners.
• and bring him: The Greek kai diagagein (καὶ διαγαγεῖν), from diagō, meaning "to carry through," "to convey," or "to conduct." This emphasizes the entire process of transporting Paul.
• safely: The crucial word here is diasōthēnai (διασῳθῆναι), a passive infinitive from diasōzō, meaning "to be brought safely through," "to be completely preserved," or "to rescue fully." It underscores the objective of the mission: protection from the death plot. This echoes God's overarching purpose to preserve Paul for his mission, especially to bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).
• to Felix: Referring to Antonius Felix, the Roman Procurator of Judea (52-60 AD). His appointment was due to Roman authority in the region, which he notoriously abused for personal gain (as seen later in Acts 24).
• the governor: The Greek word is hēgemoni (ἡγεμόνι), "to the governor" or "procurator." This denotes his official Roman position as the highest authority in the province, indicating that Paul's case was now elevated to the Roman provincial court, outside the immediate jurisdiction and danger of Jerusalem.

Words-group analysis:

• "And provide beasts for Paul to ride": This phrase illustrates Lysias's meticulous planning and concern for Paul's welfare during transit. It demonstrates his commitment to follow protocol for a Roman citizen and underscores the urgency and necessity of a swift, secure journey given the assassination plot.
• "and bring him safely to Felix the governor": This encapsulates the entire objective of the transfer. "Safely" (diasōthēnai) is paramount, highlighting the specific danger Paul was in. Delivering him to "Felix the governor" clearly indicates a shift of jurisdiction from Jerusalem's Jewish and local Roman military authority to the higher Roman provincial government, setting the stage for future trials and appeals. This also shows the functioning of the Roman administrative and legal system in its primary role: maintaining order and dispensing justice (even if corrupted by its administrators).

Acts 23 24 Bonus section

The provision of "beasts" for riding implies not just a single animal but perhaps an availability of choice or more than one animal. It wasn't just a concession but a necessary logistical element for such a journey, indicating the seriousness and formality of the transport operation. Lysias's thoroughness highlights the gravity with which he took the information about the plot. This military escort and the safe conveyance to Caesarea were effectively the first leg of Paul's divinely orchestrated journey that would ultimately lead him to bear witness in Rome before Caesar. This shows how political decisions and military actions can inadvertently serve the kingdom of God, even when the human agents are unaware of their role in a greater divine narrative.

Acts 23 24 Commentary

Acts 23:24 details the pragmatic steps taken by Commander Lysias to safeguard Paul, an action spurred by divine providence (through Paul's nephew's intervention and Lysias's general disposition to justice). This seemingly mundane instruction to "provide beasts... and bring him safely" carries immense theological weight. It demonstrates God's consistent use of unexpected channels—even secular authorities and human systems—to achieve His divine purposes. The meticulously prepared escort (detailed in the previous verse, including soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen) combined with the provision of an animal for Paul to ride, points to the seriousness of the threat against him, but more profoundly, to the depth of God's protection.

The term "safely" is key; God orchestrated circumstances not just to deliver Paul from Jerusalem, but to ensure his unharmed arrival at the next stage of his journey toward Rome. This verse, therefore, is not merely a record of Roman procedure but a vivid illustration of God's sovereign hand actively working through political means to preserve His chosen servant for the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Paul's journey to Caesarea was crucial, laying the groundwork for his future appeals and eventual voyage to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's own prophetic assurance given to Paul. It also starkly contrasts the fervent hatred of the Jewish plotters with the effective protection provided by a pagan government.