The Book of Acts

Paul is Sent to Caesarea

Acts 23:23-35 _NLT

“Then the commander called two of his officers 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.” (vv. 23-24)

            As you will no doubt recall, a group of radical Jews whom Paul had encountered in Jerusalem, had gone to Rome, and put together a plan to murder Paul on his way to face Governor Felix. The commander (Claudius Lysias), decided to send Paul to meet with Felix who was. As you can see by todays text Claudius Lysias sent quite a large number of soldiers for Paul’s protection. The commander sent a letter of introduction regarding Paul to Governor Felix.

            The governor’s entire name was Antonius Felix, and he was the overseer of the Judean province. The position Felix held is the one Pontius Pilate had held in Jesus day. Exactly what was the governor of a province responsible for? “While the Jews were given much freedom to govern themselves, the governor ran the army, kept the peace and gathered the taxes.” ^[1]

            There is a question as to how Luke knew the content of the letter the commander sent to the governor, as it is incorporated in the text. The general feeling is that it was read aloud in court when Paul stood before Felix. There is also the possibility that being a Roman citizen, Paul was given a copy out of courtesy.       

            The letter itself was only slightly embellished for the commanders benefit as he stated that he rescued Paul from a mob of Jews once he found out Paul was a Roman citizen. He also conveniently left out the part regarding the order to flog Paul.

            Once delivered to the governor along with the letter, Paul was asked what province he came from. Cilicia was his answer. After hearing this, the governor felt he was competent to hear the case. Paul was then “kept under guard in the palace Herod the Great built for himself at Caesarea. It now served as the governor's headquarters and also had cells for prisoners.” There Paul would wait for his accuser’s to arrive in Caesarea. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament.

^[1] The note for verse 26 from the Life Application Study Bible, p.2453.