Acts 23 30

Acts 23:30 kjv

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

Acts 23:30 nkjv

And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell.

Acts 23:30 niv

When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

Acts 23:30 esv

And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him."

Acts 23:30 nlt

But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you."

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 30 Meaning

Acts 23:30 conveys the justification and actions of Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander in Jerusalem, for sending the apostle Paul to Felix, the Roman governor in Caesarea. Upon learning of a dangerous plot by Jewish zealots to ambush and kill Paul, Lysias immediately arranged for Paul's transfer under heavy military escort. Simultaneously, he instructed Paul's Jewish accusers to present their charges formally before Governor Felix, ensuring due legal process in a higher Roman court. This highlights the commander's prompt protective action and adherence to Roman judicial protocol.

Acts 23 30 Context

Acts chapter 23 immediately precedes this verse. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem after causing an uproar in the Temple, falsely accused by some Jews of desecrating it and teaching against the law. The Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, intervened to rescue him from the mob. To determine the reason for the riot, Lysias brought Paul before the Sanhedrin, where Paul strategically caused a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees by declaring himself a Pharisee concerning the resurrection. However, this did not resolve the matter, and a powerful conspiracy involving over 40 Jews swore an oath to kill Paul before he ate or drank again. Paul's nephew overheard this plot and reported it to Paul, who then informed the commander. Acts 23:30 represents Lysias's explanation, recorded in the letter he sends to Governor Felix (implied from the surrounding verses), outlining the plot as the direct reason for transferring Paul to a higher judicial authority in Caesarea. Historically, this event demonstrates the practical application of Roman legal protection for Roman citizens and the jurisdictional hierarchy, with provincial governors holding greater judicial authority than local military commanders.

Acts 23 30 Word Analysis

• And when it was told me (ἀναγγελλείσης μοι - anaggeleises moi):

  • Anaggellō means "to announce, report, or bring back tidings." It suggests that information was officially relayed to Lysias.
  • Significance: This emphasizes Lysias's reliance on credible intelligence for his actions, rather than acting on mere rumor or whim. It underscores his role as an administrator reacting to a specific threat.

• that there would be a plot (ἐπιβουλῆς ἔσεσθαι - epiboules esesthai):

  • Epiboulē refers to a "plot," "conspiracy," or "design for mischief," often with murderous intent.
  • Significance: The use of this word highlights the seriousness and premeditated nature of the threat against Paul, validating Lysias's decision to act urgently. It was not just a general threat but a planned ambush.

• against the man (εἰς τὸν ἄνδρα - eis ton andra):

  • Ho anēr ("the man") here refers specifically to Paul.
  • Significance: It's a detached and official way for Lysias to refer to Paul in his report to the governor, presenting the situation impersonally and professionally within the scope of his duties to protect Roman citizens.

• I sent him (ἔπεμψα αὐτόν - epempsa auton):

  • Pempō means "to send, transmit, or escort."
  • Significance: Lysias takes personal responsibility for the action, stating he sent Paul, reinforcing his direct command in the matter.

• immediately (εὐθέως - euthéōs):

  • This adverb means "at once, forthwith, promptly."
  • Significance: It emphasizes the urgency and swiftness of Lysias's response to the discovered plot. Time was of the essence to thwart the assassins. It also demonstrates Lysias's efficiency.

• to thee (πρὸς σέ - pros se):

  • "Thee" refers to Governor Felix, to whom Lysias is writing/speaking in this implied letter.
  • Significance: It indicates the transfer of jurisdiction and responsibility from the commander to the higher provincial authority, following proper Roman legal channels.

• ordering (παραγγείλας - parangeilas):

  • Paraggellō means "to order, command, instruct authoritatively."
  • Significance: This shows Lysias asserting his authority as a Roman officer to compel the accusers to follow proper legal procedures, demonstrating his commitment to justice under Roman law.

• his accusers also (τοὺς κατηγόρους καὶ - tous katēgoros kai):

  • Katēgoros means "accuser" or "prosecutor."
  • Significance: This indicates the dual aspect of Lysias's actions: protecting Paul from harm and ensuring that his legal case proceeds. It ensures fairness by requiring formal accusations in the presence of higher authority.

• to speak against him (λέγειν τὰ πρὸς αὐτὸν - legein ta pros auton):

  • Legō means "to say, speak." The phrase ta pros auton implies "the things concerning him," i.e., the charges or accusations.
  • Significance: This is about initiating the formal legal prosecution. It reinforces the expectation that charges should be brought forward through legitimate channels and debated openly in court, not through plots or mob violence.

• before thee (ἐπὶ σοῦ - epi sou):

  • Meaning "in your presence," "before your tribunal."
  • Significance: The location for the legal hearing. It signifies the proper venue and authority for a formal trial, confirming that the matter would be handled according to Roman provincial law.

Words-group analysis:

• "And when it was told me that there would be a plot against the man": This phrase establishes the legitimate cause for Lysias's intervention – the credible threat to Paul's life. It sets up the justification for transferring Paul, demonstrating that Lysias's action was not arbitrary but based on a real and dangerous conspiracy.
• "I sent him immediately to thee": This shows Lysias's swift, decisive, and authoritative action. The "immediately" highlights the urgency driven by the lethal plot. The transfer "to thee" (Felix) signifies the handover to the appropriate higher legal authority, aligning with Roman bureaucratic and judicial procedures.
• "ordering his accusers also to speak against him before thee": This final part emphasizes Lysias's commitment to Roman legal principles. Not only did he protect Paul, but he also ensured that the formal legal process would continue. He did not simply free Paul or make a unilateral decision, but he compelled the accusers to present their case in the proper forum, upholding the law and guaranteeing due process.

Acts 23 30 Bonus section

• The detail of "immediately" highlights Roman military efficiency and preparedness in handling security threats.
• Lysias's action shows a respect for legal process and citizens' rights under Roman law, particularly when contrasted with the unlawful plotting of Paul's accusers.
• This verse (and the subsequent verses forming Lysias's letter) serves to frame the entire legal saga of Paul's imprisonment, establishing the premise that Paul was protected from illegal Jewish violence and then legitimately brought before the governor for a proper trial, rather than being summarily executed.
• The entire narrative from Acts 21:27 through this verse showcases how God uses a variety of human agencies – including Roman officials and Paul's family – to ensure His plan for Paul's ministry unfolds.

Acts 23 30 Commentary

Acts 23:30 provides insight into the commander Lysias's prudent and legally compliant actions in a complex situation involving a Roman citizen, Jewish religious zealousness, and violent conspiracy. His primary duty was to maintain peace and protect Roman subjects. Upon learning of a sworn plot by over forty Jewish men to assassinate Paul, Lysias immediately grasped the severity of the threat. His rapid decision to dispatch Paul under heavy guard to Caesarea, accompanied by his demand that the Jewish accusers formally present their case to Governor Felix, showcases adherence to Roman administrative and judicial efficiency. This move not only averted immediate danger to Paul but also elevated the case to the appropriate provincial authority, ensuring a proper legal hearing instead of mob justice or extra-judicial murder. This entire sequence providentially guided Paul one step closer to Rome, fulfilling the divine plan despite the human opposition. Lysias, though a pagan official, unknowingly became an instrument of God's will to protect Paul and advance the gospel's spread. His actions stand as an example of an authority figure diligently fulfilling their duties within a secular framework, which God uses for His divine purposes.