Acts 23 27

Acts 23:27 kjv

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

Acts 23:27 nkjv

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

Acts 23:27 niv

This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen.

Acts 23:27 esv

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen.

Acts 23:27 nlt

"This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety.

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 27 Meaning

Acts 23:27 is part of a letter written by Claudius Lysias, a Roman tribune, to Governor Felix, reporting on the apprehension of Paul. In this verse, Lysias recounts rescuing Paul from a Jewish mob in Jerusalem. He claims he intervened and rescued Paul upon learning he was a Roman citizen, implying this knowledge was his primary motivation from the outset. This statement, while strategically phrased to present Lysias's actions in the best possible light, details the perilous situation Paul faced—being seized and nearly killed by Jewish antagonists—and the timely, though somewhat coincidental from a human perspective, intervention of Roman authority that saved him.

Acts 23 27 Context

Acts chapter 23 immediately follows Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, prompted by false accusations from Jews who recognized him. After facing the Sanhedrin, where Paul strategically caused a division between Pharisees and Sadducees, a conspiracy involving over forty Jews emerged, pledging to kill him. Upon learning of this plot, Paul’s nephew informed the tribune Claudius Lysias. This verse is taken from Lysias's protective letter to Governor Felix in Caesarea, to whom Paul was being secretly transferred for his safety. The letter serves as an official report and an attempt by Lysias to justify his actions and present himself favorably to his superior. Historically, Roman commanders were keen to prevent unrest and protect Roman citizens, especially from local mob violence, making Lysias's claim of intervention for a Roman citizen a strong legal and political justification. The letter subtly attempts to portray Lysias as having known Paul's citizenship from the start, although the book of Acts indicates he only learned of it later, preventing Paul's scourging (Acts 22:25-29).

Acts 23 27 Word analysis

• "This man" (τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον - ton andra touton): Refers to Paul. Lysias avoids using Paul's name directly in this formal communication, possibly to maintain a sense of objective detachment or because the letter is focused on the incident, not Paul's identity.
• "was seized" (συλληφθέντα - syllēphthénta): Means apprehended or taken hold of. In the original context (Acts 21:27), this describes the aggressive and unlawful action of the Jews. It highlights the force used against Paul.
• "by the Jews" (ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων - hypo tōn Ioudaiōn): Specifies the aggressors, not a general populace but those within the Jewish community actively participating in the mob violence, likely incited by the temple Jews from Asia. This differentiates them from Roman authorities.
• "and was about to be killed by them" (καὶ μέλλοντα ἀναιρεῖσθαι ὑπ' αὐτῶν - kai mellonta anaireisthai hyp' autōn): "An aireisthai" means to take up, do away with, or kill. This conveys the immediate and grave danger Paul faced. The phrasing emphasizes the intent of the mob to execute Paul without due process.
• "when I came up with the soldiers" (ἐπελθὼν σὺν τῷ στρατεύματι - epelthōn syn tō strateumati): "Epelthōn" means having come upon or gone against. Lysias highlights his decisive, armed intervention. "Stratōma" refers to a body of troops, emphasizing the significant Roman military presence he commanded, signifying his authority and capability to restore order.
• "and rescued him" (ἐξειλόμην - exeílomēn): "Exeílomai" means to draw out, rescue, deliver, or pluck out. This term stresses Lysias's active role as a deliverer from peril. It paints a picture of courageous and effective intervention.
• "having learned that he was a Roman citizen" (μαθὼν ὅτι Ῥωμαῖος ἐστιν - mathōn hoti Rhōmaios estin): "Mathōn" (from manthanō) means having learned or ascertained. "Rhōmaios" is a Roman, referring to someone holding Roman citizenship. This clause is pivotal. While the narrative in Acts shows Lysias learned of Paul's citizenship after the initial rescue, and specifically to prevent scourging (Acts 22:25-29), he phrases it in his letter to Felix as if this knowledge was the primary motivator for his initial intervention. This carefully chosen phrasing seeks to show due diligence and uphold Roman law from the start, reflecting a desire to present his actions as exemplary to his superior.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them": This phrase succinctly portrays Paul as an innocent victim of unlawful aggression. It contrasts the chaotic, violent nature of the mob with the expected order of Roman law.
  • "when I came up with the soldiers and rescued him": This part emphasizes the effective intervention of Roman power in controlling mob violence. It highlights the Roman responsibility for maintaining public peace and order, often seen as a legitimate aspect of governing by God's providence (Rom 13:3-4).
  • "having learned that he was a Roman citizen": This statement, despite its timeline discrepancy in Lysias's recounting, underscores the crucial protection afforded by Roman citizenship. It served as a legal shield against summary execution or punishment without trial, allowing Paul to eventually appeal to Caesar. This legal status, humanly obtained, was providentially used for Paul’s preservation and furthered his mission.

Acts 23 27 Bonus section

The manipulation of facts by Lysias in this verse underscores the human element in historical accounts, even within a divine narrative like the Bible. It shows how personal interests (career advancement, avoiding punishment) can shape the recounting of events. Lysias's actions, while presented in a favorable light in his letter, were a vital piece of the providential chain that kept Paul alive and enabled his journey to Rome, fulfilling the prophecy that he would bear witness to Christ before kings (Acts 9:15-16). This episode vividly illustrates how the political and legal frameworks of the world can be employed by God, even through imperfect agents, to further His kingdom agenda and protect His chosen vessels. It highlights that God does not always intervene supernaturally, but often uses ordinary means and human systems to achieve His will.

Acts 23 27 Commentary

Acts 23:27 is a carefully crafted piece of rhetoric by Claudius Lysias, the Roman tribune. While ostensibly a factual report, its primary purpose is self-vindication. Lysias portrays himself as a swift, diligent officer who intervened because of Paul's Roman citizenship. The narrative here glosses over the precise sequence of events: he had actually rescued Paul initially from a riot before learning of his citizenship (Acts 21:32-34). He only fully recognized Paul's Roman status after he had prepared to examine him by scourging, realizing the severe implications of mistreating a citizen (Acts 22:25-29). Thus, this verse reflects Lysias's strategic presentation of the events to Governor Felix, prioritizing his professional reputation and avoiding potential repercussions for himself. From a biblical perspective, however, regardless of Lysias's true initial motivations or the exact sequence of his awareness, his actions ultimately served God's sovereign plan for Paul. Roman law and authority, even through a self-serving official, became an instrument of divine protection for Paul, ensuring his safety to continue his gospel ministry and eventually reach Rome. The incident highlights the collision between fanatical religious hatred and the rule of Roman law, with God using the latter to advance His purposes.