Acts 23:23-35
Summary for Acts 23:23-35: 23:23-35 a 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 military operation was executed that night with secret efficiency and maximum security (23:31 b).23:24 c Antonius Felix was procurator (Governor) of Judea about AD 52–59, with responsibility for both military and civil affairs. Felix had a bad reputation (see 24:24-27 d) and was eventually recalled to Rome by Nero.
Summary for Acts 23:26-30: 23:26-30 e The letter of Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix is a typical Hellenistic 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 study 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 Excellency was often applied to persons of high social, political, or economic status (Luke 1:3 f).
23:31 g Antipatris, a city rebuilt by Herod the Great in 9 BC on the Plain of Sharon, was a convenient military control point between Jerusalem and Caesarea.
23:35 h The governor followed the proper protocol and waited for Paul’s accusers to arrive before granting an official hearing.
• Herod’s headquarters was Herod the Great’s palace at Caesarea; it subsequently became the residence of the Roman governors of Judea.
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