Acts 23:26 kjv
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
Acts 23:26 nkjv
Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
Acts 23:26 niv
Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
Acts 23:26 esv
"Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.
Acts 23:26 nlt
"From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!
Acts 23 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 21:33 | Then the commander... seized him. | Historical preceding event |
| Acts 21:34 | ...riot, the commander ordered him to be taken into the barracks. | Action by commander |
| Acts 22:24 | ...ordered that he be brought into the barracks... | Lysias's initial action |
| Acts 22:25 | ...said to the centurion... "Sirs, unless these men have escaped..." | Roman law adherence |
| Acts 23:10 | ... commander's intervention prevented violence... | Further intervention |
| Acts 23:17 | Then Paul called one of the centurions and said... | Paul's request |
| Acts 23:18 | ...Take this young man to the commander; he has something to report... | Information sharing |
| Acts 23:30 | And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man,... | Intelligence gathering |
| Acts 23:31 | Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. | Transport of Paul |
| Acts 23:35 | ...I will hear you when your accusers arrive."... | Promise to hear Paul |
| Luke 21:12 | But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you,... | Prophecy of persecution |
| John 15:20 | ... “Remember my word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ | Jesus's warning to disciples |
| John 16:2 | They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming... | Persecution by religious |
| 2 Cor 11:24 | Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes minus one. | Paul's suffering |
| 2 Cor 11:25 | Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Thrice I suffered shipwreck. | Paul's suffering |
| Gal 1:13 | For you heard of my former life in Judaism, how I intensely persecuted... | Paul's past |
| Gal 1:14 | and advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. | Paul's zeal |
| Phil 1:7 | It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart,... | Paul's perspective |
| Phil 3:6 | as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness under the law, blameless. | Paul's zeal |
| Titus 1:5 | This is why I left you in Crete, that you might set right what remains and appoint elders in every town... | Church administration |
| 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you... | Facing trials |
| 1 Peter 5:10 | And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace... | God's ultimate provision |
| Romans 13:1 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God... | Roman authority |
| Romans 8:35 | Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,... | Steadfastness |
Acts 23 verses
Acts 23 26 Meaning
This verse records a letter written by the Roman chiliarch (commander), Claudius Lysias, to the Roman governor, Felix. The letter officially communicates the arrest of Paul, acknowledging the commander's previous actions, and requests Felix's judgment on the matter, while also presenting Paul's own plea to Caesar. The core message is Lysias's exoneration of himself and referral of the complex legal and religious dispute to the higher authority.
Acts 23 26 Context
The immediate context is the tumultuous situation in Jerusalem following Paul's arrest by Claudius Lysias to save him from a mob of angry Jews. Paul, having declared his intention to appeal to Caesar, is being held by the Roman authorities. Lysias, faced with a complicated religious dispute and a potential accusation of mistreating a Roman citizen (which would carry severe penalties), decides to transfer the case to the higher Roman authority in Caesarea, Governor Felix. This letter is Lysias's official report to Felix, aiming to present the events and Paul's plea in a way that protects Lysias while formally presenting the case.
Acts 23 26 Word analysis
From Claudius Lysias to the most excellent Governor Felix: This salutation immediately establishes the official nature and hierarchical context of the communication, underscoring the Roman legal and administrative structure. "Most excellent" (Greek: kratiste) is a formal, respectful title for a Roman governor.
Greetings: A standard formal opening for official letters.
I have learned: Lysias indicates that his understanding of the situation with Paul has developed, necessitating this report.
this man was arrested: Lysias states the primary event that triggered his involvement – Paul's apprehension.
and when I found that he was a Roman: The critical turning point for Lysias. The realization that Paul was a Roman citizen changed the legal framework and Lysias’s immediate responsibilities and risks. Roman citizenship offered significant legal protections.
I took him into the barracks: His immediate action was to ensure Paul’s safety and bring him under Roman custody and jurisdiction, away from the agitated Jewish crowd.
And when I wanted to know the cause for which they accused him: Lysias's intent to follow due process, at least outwardly, by understanding the charges.
I brought him down to their council: Lysias presented Paul before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court) to hear the accusations directly from his accusers, as he mentioned he would do in Acts 22:30.
And I found that he was accused about questions of their law: Lysias characterizes the accusations as internal Jewish religious disputes.
but had nothing in him for which to cause death or imprisonment: Lysias's initial assessment that Paul's actions did not warrant capital punishment or prolonged detention based on Roman law. This is a key part of his exoneration.
And when I was informed of a plot against the man: Lysias reveals the critical intelligence about the assassination attempt by more than forty Jews, a significant threat to Paul's life.
which would be sent by them: The plot was originating from the Jewish opposition.
I immediately sent him to you: The direct reason for the letter and transfer.
commanding also his accusers to state before you what they have against him: Lysias formally directs Paul's accusers to present their case to Felix, ensuring they must also go through the proper Roman legal channels.
Farewell: A standard closing to the letter.
Group analysis: Roman Law and Citizenship: The verse highlights the importance of Roman law and citizenship. Lysias's actions are directly influenced by the privileges and protections afforded to Roman citizens, which necessitated a transfer of jurisdiction and a formal report to the governor. This reflects the imperial legal system's reach.
Group analysis: Exoneration and Responsibility: Lysias is presenting a case to protect himself from potential repercussions for how he handled Paul initially, especially regarding potential violations of Roman rights. By documenting his actions, reporting the mob violence, and highlighting the plot against Paul, he aims to demonstrate his prudence and the necessity of his decisions.
Acts 23 26 Bonus section
The letter from Lysias is a testament to the Roman administrative efficiency in managing legal and political matters within its provinces, even those entangled with local religious customs and disputes. Lysias’s proactive transfer of Paul demonstrates an awareness of the severe consequences for Roman officials who mishandled the rights of Roman citizens. The intelligence about the assassination plot by over forty Jews (as mentioned in Acts 23:13-15) was crucial in compelling Lysias to take this decisive action. Felix, receiving this letter, would be aware of the significant political and religious dimensions of Paul's case, foreshadowing the extended hearings that would follow.
Acts 23 26 Commentary
Claudius Lysias writes to Governor Felix to formally transfer the legal responsibility for Paul. Lysias aims to portray his actions as judicious and lawful, emphasizing that Paul is a Roman citizen whom he saved from mob violence and a subsequent assassination plot. The commander states that the charges against Paul pertain to Jewish law and that he found no capital offense. He transfers Paul to Felix's jurisdiction, requesting that Paul’s accusers also present their case to the governor. This reflects the complexities of operating within Roman law, the Roman administration’s structure, and the religious tensions of Judea at the time. Lysias’s letter also serves to inform Felix about Paul and the situation in Jerusalem, effectively presenting Paul's appeal to Caesar.