Acts 23 25

Acts 23:25 kjv

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Acts 23:25 nkjv

He wrote a letter in the following manner:

Acts 23:25 niv

He wrote a letter as follows:

Acts 23:25 esv

And he wrote a letter to this effect:

Acts 23:25 nlt

Then he wrote this letter to the governor:

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 25 Meaning

Acts 23:25 introduces the subsequent passage, indicating that Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander in Jerusalem, formally composed a written dispatch concerning the apostle Paul's case. The phrase "after this manner" signifies that the following verses (Acts 23:26-30) either present the letter's precise wording or offer a direct and faithful summary of its contents. This act marks a pivotal administrative step in Paul's journey, shifting his legal predicament from a tumultuous mob setting in Jerusalem to a formal trial under a higher Roman authority in Caesarea.

Acts 23 25 Context

Acts chapter 23 immediately follows Paul's tumultuous appearance before the Sanhedrin, where a sharp division between Pharisees and Sadducees erupts over the doctrine of the resurrection, saving Paul from direct harm. The night after this hearing, the Lord Himself appears to Paul, encouraging him and affirming that he "must bear witness also at Rome" (Acts 23:11).

The next day, a plot emerges: more than forty Jews vow not to eat or drink until they have assassinated Paul. This conspiracy is overheard by Paul's nephew, who then reports it to Paul, and subsequently, Paul sends his nephew to inform the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. Upon learning of the grave danger Paul is in, Lysias acts swiftly and decisively. Recognizing Paul's Roman citizenship and the severity of the plot, and possibly wanting to avoid any political fallout or accusations of dereliction of duty, Lysias orders Paul's transfer under heavy guard to Governor Felix in Caesarea. He arranges a formidable escort of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to ensure Paul's safe passage. Acts 23:25 introduces the formal explanation of this transfer—a critical letter Lysias wrote to Governor Felix detailing the circumstances and reasons for sending Paul. This letter functions as the official handover document for the case.

Historically, this demonstrates Roman legal procedure and jurisdiction. While Rome generally allowed local customs, any capital case involving a Roman citizen fell under higher Roman authority. Lysias's letter is a necessary part of the bureaucratic process, ensuring Paul receives a proper hearing, and Lysias protects his own standing within the Roman administration by transparently escalating a sensitive case.

Acts 23 25 Word analysis

• And (καί, kai): A conjunction. Connects the act of writing the letter to the preceding actions, showing a continuous narrative flow of events surrounding Paul's transfer.

• he wrote (ἔγραψε, egrapse): Aorist active indicative of graphō. Simple past tense, indicating a completed action. Highlights the commander's immediate and definitive action in light of the discovered plot against Paul. This verb is foundational to communication in ancient times and is used extensively in the Bible for the act of divinely inspired writing (e.g., of the Law, the Prophets, the Gospels, Epistles).

• a letter (ἐπιστολὴν, epistolēn): Accusative singular of epistolē. A formal communication or dispatch. This wasn't a casual note but an official document used in Roman bureaucracy, carrying legal weight and informing a superior officer of a significant case. The concept of formal letters conveying crucial information is prevalent in biblical literature, from decrees (Esther) to divine revelations (Revelation) to apostolic instructions (Pauline Epistles).

• after this manner (ἔχουσαν τὸν τύπον, echousan ton typon): This phrase indicates the nature of the following content.

  • having (ἔχουσαν, echousan): Present active participle of echō ("to have, hold"). Modifies "letter," indicating it "had" or "contained" the following format or substance.
  • the pattern/form/manner (τὸν τύπον, ton typon): Accusative singular of typos. Implies a prescribed form or an example, denoting that the subsequent text (verses 26-30) either is the letter itself or an exact summary of its form and content. It conveys authenticity and directness. In broader biblical use, typos can refer to a pattern, an example for instruction (e.g., 1 Tim 4:12), or a prefiguring event (e.g., Rom 5:14 where Adam is a typos of Christ). Here, it emphasizes the accurate representation of an official document.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • He wrote a letter: This phrase signifies the Roman military's engagement with legal procedure. It was an essential part of formal Roman administration to document official matters, especially those concerning Roman citizens or volatile public disturbances. It highlights that Paul's situation was transitioning from a chaotic mob incident to a structured legal process, guided by established imperial practices.
  • After this manner: This idiomatic phrase tells the reader that what follows is an authoritative rendition of the document's substance. Luke, as a meticulous historian, ensures the veracity and directness of the reported communication. This strengthens the historical credibility of the narrative by presenting the Roman perspective on Paul's arrest and transfer.

Acts 23 25 Bonus section

The detail of "the manner" (τὸν τύπον) of the letter can be interpreted as Luke possessing either an exact copy or reliable knowledge of the official Roman communiqué. While direct access to such documents by an individual like Luke is debated, the historical precision throughout Acts suggests Luke (perhaps through Paul himself later recounting details or through his own inquiries) aimed for factual accuracy. Roman administrative letters were often concise, stating facts deemed pertinent, covering the official's actions, and outlining the nature of the case for the higher authority. Lysias's letter (Acts 23:26-30) indeed follows this form, even subtly enhancing his own actions in the rescue while glossing over the full extent of his initial treatment of Paul (e.g., his ignorance of Paul being a Roman citizen when he first ordered Paul to be examined by scourging, which Paul only then revealed). This highlights Luke's realism in presenting historical figures with their human nuances alongside divine oversight.

Acts 23 25 Commentary

Acts 23:25 acts as a literary cue, directing the reader's attention to the vital official communication that follows. This terse introductory statement encapsulates the shift in Paul's circumstances: from the immediate, physical danger of the Jerusalem mob and the Sanhedrin's volatility, Paul's situation is now formally under the purview of Roman law. Claudius Lysias, the tribune, is not merely sending Paul away; he is meticulously adhering to the protocols of Roman governance. The letter's dispatch underscores the efficiency, if not always justice, of Roman administration and their procedures regarding provincial unrest and the rights of their citizens.

For Paul, this administrative action, orchestrated by an unconverted Roman official, is a testament to God's guiding providence. The Lord had specifically assured Paul that he must bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11). Lysias's letter, even with its subtly self-serving tone, becomes an instrument in fulfilling this divine purpose, moving Paul closer to Caesar's court and the heart of the Roman Empire, where the gospel was yet to firmly establish itself. It exemplifies how God uses even secular systems and individuals, often unknowingly, to advance His sovereign plan and protect His chosen servants.