NLT Illustrated Study Bible - Book of Acts - Flipbook - Page 68
A cts 2 3 : 1 9
2024
prisoner, called me over and asked me to
bring this young man to you because he has
something to tell you.”
19 The commander took his hand, led
him aside, and asked, “What is it you want
to tell me?”
20 Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are
going to ask you to bring Paul before the high
council tomorrow, pretending they want to
get some more information. 21 But don’t do
it! There are more than forty men hiding
along the way ready to ambush him. They
have vowed not to eat or drink anything until
they have killed him. They are ready now, just
waiting for your consent.”
22 “Don’t let anyone know you told me
this,” the commander warned the young
man.
Paul Is Sent to Caesarea
23 Then the commander called two of his of
ficers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready
to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight.
Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted
troops. 24 Provide horses for Paul to ride, and
get him safely to Governor Felix.” 25 Then he
wrote this letter to the governor:
23:23
Acts 8:40
23:27
Acts 21:3033;
22:2529
26 “From
Claudius Lysias, to his
Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!
27 “This man was seized by some Jews,
CAESAREA (Acts 23:2335)
Caesarea, named in honor of Augustus Caesar, was built on Israel’s Mediterranean coast by Herod the Great from 22 to
10 bc. It became the administrative center of the country throughout the period of Roman occupation. Three Roman gov
ernors of Palestine lived there: Felix (23:24, 33), Festus (25:1, 46, 13), and Pontius Pilate, who visited Jerusalem on special
occasions (as in John 19). Archaeologists found Pilate’s name carved in stone in the theater at Caesarea. Caesarea served
as the major seaport of Judea in NT times. A Roman officer named Cornelius was converted to Christianity in Caesarea
(Acts 10:1, 24). Later the apostle Peter visited Philip, a prominent Christian leader who lived there (21:8). Paul spent more
than two years in prison in Caesarea (24:27–25:1) and embarked from there on his journey to Rome (27:1).
23:2335 A mounted escort took Paul
safely to the Roman Governor Felix in
Caesarea, the Roman headquarters for
Judea. There Paul would have greater
protection than in Jerusalem. The mili
tary operation was executed that night
with secret efficiency and maximum
security (23:31).
T H E P E N TAT E U C H
23:24 Antonius Felix was procurator
(Governor) of Judea about ad 52–59,
with responsibility for both military
and civil affairs. Felix had a bad reputa
tion (see 24:2427) and was eventually
recalled to Rome by Nero.
23:2630 The letter of Claudius Lysias
to Governor Felix is a typical Hellenistic
ISRAEL’S HISTORY
letter, naming the writer and the person
addressed, offering a greeting, and
stating the business at hand (though
there is no parting word of farewell;
see note on 15:29). It summarizes the
events that preceded it and explains
the action taken; it also suggests that
the commander has followed proper
Roman judicial procedure. • The title his
POETRY & WISDOM
