Acts 23:10

KJV

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when there arose {G1096} a great {G4183} dissension {G4714}, the chief captain {G5506}, fearing {G2125} lest {G3361} Paul {G3972} should have been pulled in pieces {G1288} of {G5259} them {G846}, commanded {G2753} the soldiers {G4753} to go down {G2597}, and to take {G726} him {G846} by force {G726} from {G1537} among {G3319} them {G846}, and {G5037} to bring {G71} him into {G1519} the castle {G3925}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The dispute became so violent that the commander, fearing that Sha’ul would be torn apart by them, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force and bring him back into the barracks.

Berean Standard Bible

The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

American Standard Version

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the castle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:10 vividly portrays the escalating chaos within the Sanhedrin as a result of Paul's strategic declaration, forcing the Roman chief captain, Claudius Lysias, to intervene decisively. Fearing that the Apostle Paul would be literally torn apart by the violent theological dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, Lysias commanded his soldiers to forcefully extract Paul from the midst of the warring factions and bring him to the safety of the Antonia Fortress, thereby preserving his life for future divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of Paul's appearance before the Jewish high council, the Sanhedrin, following his arrest in the Temple courts. Having been rescued from a mob in [Acts 21:30-32](/acts/21-30-32 "Acts 21:30-32 - Paul's Arrest in the Temple"), Paul was granted permission by the Roman chief captain, Claudius Lysias, to address the Sanhedrin to ascertain the charges against him. Knowing the council's internal divisions, Paul shrewdly declared his Pharisaic identity and belief in the resurrection ([Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration to the Sanhedrin")), immediately igniting a furious theological debate between the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, and the Pharisees, who affirmed it. The "great dissension" described in [Acts 23:10](/acts/23-10 "Acts 23:10 - The Chief Captain's Intervention") is the direct consequence of Paul's calculated move, demonstrating his keen understanding of his audience and the volatile political and religious landscape of Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body, composed of seventy-one members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. It was deeply divided between the Sadducees, who were primarily aristocratic priests adhering strictly to the written Torah and rejecting oral tradition, resurrection, angels, and spirits, and the Pharisees, who were popular lay scholars and teachers who accepted oral tradition and believed in resurrection, angels, and spirits. The Roman presence in Judea, personified by the chief captain and his soldiers, was crucial for maintaining order. The Antonia Fortress, located adjacent to the Temple, served as the Roman military barracks and a symbol of Roman authority, from which soldiers could quickly deploy to quell disturbances, as they did in this instance to prevent a full-blown riot and protect a Roman citizen (Paul's Roman citizenship is revealed in [Acts 22:25-29](/acts/22-25-29 "Acts 22:25-29 - Paul's Roman Citizenship")).
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Protection**, showing how God uses even secular authorities and chaotic circumstances to safeguard His chosen instruments, ensuring Paul's survival for his ultimate mission to Rome, as later confirmed by the Lord Himself in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Appears to Paul"). Secondly, it highlights the profound **Religious Division and Hostility** within Judaism, demonstrating how deeply entrenched doctrinal differences could lead to violent internal conflict, even overshadowing a common perceived enemy. Finally, the intervention of the chief captain underscores the pervasive **Roman Authority and Order** in the provinces, showcasing their role in maintaining civil stability and protecting the rights of Roman citizens, even those accused by local religious bodies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dissension (Greek, _stásis_'):** From G4714, this term denotes not merely an argument but a "standing" or "uprising," implying a violent internal struggle or even an insurrection. In this context, it describes the intense, almost riotous, theological conflict that erupted between the Pharisees and Sadducees within the Sanhedrin, threatening to devolve into physical violence.
* **pulled in pieces (Greek, _diaspáō_'):** From G1288, this vivid verb means "to draw apart," "sever," or "dismember." It paints a graphic picture of the extreme danger Paul faced, suggesting that the fury of the warring factions was so intense that he might have been literally torn limb from limb by the enraged council members.
* **castle (Greek, _parembolḗ_'):** From G3925, this word refers to a "throwing in beside" or "juxtaposition," specifically denoting a military encampment or barracks. In Jerusalem, it specifically refers to the Antonia Fortress, the Roman military headquarters adjacent to the Temple, which served as a secure stronghold and a symbol of Roman power. It was the place of safety and temporary refuge for Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when there arose a great dissension":** This clause describes the immediate and intense consequence of Paul's declaration in [Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration to the Sanhedrin"), where he exploited the deep theological rift between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The "great dissension" signifies a violent, almost riotous, internal conflict that erupted within the Sanhedrin itself, turning their collective anger from Paul to each other.
* **"the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them":** This part reveals the chief captain's motivation for intervention. Observing the escalating and dangerous internal strife, he genuinely feared for Paul's physical safety, recognizing that the conflict had reached a point where Paul's life was in immediate peril, potentially leading to him being literally dismembered by the enraged council members.
* **"commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them":** This highlights the decisive and forceful nature of the chief captain's action. He did not merely request but "commanded" his soldiers to "go down" (from the Antonia Fortress into the council chamber) and "take him by force," indicating the urgency and necessity of a swift, physical extraction to rescue Paul from the chaotic and dangerous situation.
* **"and to bring [him] into the castle":** This final clause specifies Paul's destination – the Antonia Fortress. This was not merely an arbitrary location but a secure military barracks, offering Paul protection from the mob and the warring Sanhedrin, ensuring his safety under Roman custody.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey the drama and significance of the moment. **Hyperbole** or vivid imagery is evident in the phrase "pulled in pieces," which dramatically emphasizes the extreme danger Paul faced, though it may not imply literal dismemberment but rather the intense fury that threatened his life. **Irony** is powerfully present as the Roman chief captain, a pagan authority, unwittingly becomes an instrument of divine protection for Paul, saving him from the very religious leaders who sought his demise. This also functions as **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Paul's ultimate mission and God's protective hand, while the chief captain acts purely out of civic duty and concern for order. The rapid succession of actions—"arose a great dissension," "fearing," "commanded," "go down," "take by force," "bring into the castle"—creates a sense of **Pacing** that mirrors the escalating tension and the swift, decisive intervention required.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:10 serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign providence over human affairs, even amidst intense conflict and danger. Just as Paul's life was preserved through the unexpected intervention of a Roman officer, God consistently works through various means—sometimes through secular authorities, sometimes through difficult circumstances—to accomplish His divine purposes and protect His servants. This incident underscores that God's plan for Paul's ministry, specifically his testimony in Rome, would not be thwarted by human opposition or internal strife. It reminds believers that divine protection is often manifested not through miraculous escape from all trouble, but through God's active orchestration of events and people, ensuring that His will prevails.

* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Reassurance to Paul")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for contemporary believers facing opposition, division, or uncertainty. It encourages us to trust in God's unfailing sovereignty, even when circumstances appear chaotic or threatening. Just as Paul was preserved for his mission, we can have confidence that God will protect and guide us through challenging situations, using unexpected means to fulfill His purposes in our lives. This doesn't mean we will avoid all hardship, but that God remains faithful to His callings. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of internal division within the body of Christ; theological differences, when not handled with humility and love, can become destructive, hindering the church's witness. We are called to pursue peace and unity, discerning when to speak truth boldly and when to allow God to work through the unfolding circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account of Paul's protection challenge or affirm your understanding of God's providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary or even difficult circumstances to protect and guide you for His purposes today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the Sanhedrin's dissension regarding unity and conflict resolution within the church or other communities?**

### FAQ
**Why did the chief captain intervene so forcefully to rescue Paul from the Sanhedrin?**

Answer: The chief captain, Claudius Lysias, intervened forcefully for several reasons. Primarily, he was responsible for maintaining civil order in Jerusalem, and the "great dissension" in the Sanhedrin had escalated into a violent uproar, threatening to become a full-blown riot. He feared that Paul, his prisoner, would literally be "pulled in pieces" by the warring factions, which would have been a significant breach of Roman peace and order. Furthermore, Paul had previously asserted his Roman citizenship ([Acts 22:25-29](/acts/22-25-29 "Acts 22:25-29 - Paul's Roman Citizenship")), which afforded him certain legal protections, including the right to a fair trial and protection from mob violence. Lysias was obligated to uphold these rights and ensure Paul's safety, even from the Jewish religious leaders. His actions, while motivated by Roman law and order, inadvertently served God's divine purpose to preserve Paul for his future ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:10, with its depiction of Paul's miraculous preservation amidst a violent mob, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the Christ-centered reality of God's sovereign protection over His chosen ones and His redemptive plan. Just as Paul, a servant of God, was delivered from those who sought to tear him apart, so too was Jesus, the ultimate Servant, protected by divine providence until His appointed time for sacrifice. Though He willingly laid down His life, no one could "take it from Him" before His hour ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). Paul's continued life and ministry, despite relentless opposition, underscore the truth that God's purposes for His people, rooted in Christ, cannot be thwarted. The "castle" (Antonia Fortress) served as a temporary sanctuary for Paul, much like Christ Himself is our ultimate refuge and fortress ([Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and My Fortress")). This passage reminds us that the Church, the body of Christ, though often assailed by internal divisions and external hostility, is ultimately protected by the unshakeable promise of its Head. Just as the gates of Hades will not overcome the Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")), God continues to work all things for the good of those who love Him, ensuring the completion of the good work He began in us until the day of Christ Jesus ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Acts 22:24

The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James 4:2

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

Acts 21:30

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

Acts 21:36

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.