Acts 23:22

KJV

So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart, and charged [him, See thou] tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3303}{G3767} the chief captain {G5506} then let {G630} the young man {G3494} depart {G630}, and charged {G3853} him, See thou tell {G1583} no man {G3367} that {G3754} thou hast shewed {G1718} these things {G5023} to {G4314} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The commander let the young man go, cautioning him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Berean Standard Bible

So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

American Standard Version

So the chief captain let the young man go, charging him, Tell no man that thou hast signified these things to me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:22 records the decisive action of Claudius Lysias, the Roman chief captain, who, upon learning of a dangerous assassination plot against Paul, immediately released the young man who had revealed the conspiracy and strictly enjoined him to maintain absolute secrecy about their conversation. This pivotal moment underscores the chief captain's shrewdness and diligence in protecting a Roman citizen, while simultaneously highlighting God's providential care in preserving Paul for his divinely appointed mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's tumultuous time in Jerusalem. Following his arrest in the temple (Acts 21:27-36), Paul had already faced an angry mob, addressed them (Acts 22:1-21), and then been interrogated by the chief captain. His appearance before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30-23:10) resulted in a violent division between Pharisees and Sadducees, necessitating his rescue by Roman soldiers. Immediately preceding Acts 23:22, a grave and oath-bound conspiracy by more than forty Jewish men to ambush and kill Paul is revealed (Acts 23:12-15). Paul's nephew, hearing of this plot, bravely reported it first to Paul, then, at Paul's urging, to the chief captain (Acts 23:16-21). The chief captain's action in Acts 23:22 is his immediate, confidential response to this urgent intelligence, setting the stage for Paul's covert transfer to Caesarea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation, characterized by simmering tensions between Jewish religious authorities, various nationalist factions, and the Roman administration. Claudius Lysias, as a *chiliarchos* (chief captain), commanded a cohort of Roman soldiers, responsible for maintaining order and upholding Roman law. Roman citizenship, which Paul possessed (as revealed in [Acts 22:28](/acts/22-28 "Paul's Roman Citizenship")), conferred significant legal protections, including the right to a fair trial and protection from unlawful harm. The oath taken by the conspirators (Acts 23:12) reflects a zealous, often violent, segment of Jewish society that viewed Paul as a traitor to their traditions. The chief captain's need for secrecy was paramount, as public knowledge of his actions could incite further unrest or jeopardize the success of Paul's transfer, potentially leading to a larger confrontation with the Jewish leadership or the conspirators.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. Foremost is **Divine Providence and Protection**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events and uses unexpected agents—like Paul's nephew and a Roman officer—to protect His servant and advance His kingdom purposes, even amidst intense opposition. This echoes the Lord's direct assurance to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Promise to Paul in Jerusalem") that he must testify in Rome. Another theme is **Roman Authority and Justice**, showing how Roman law, despite its pagan origins, often served as an instrument of divine will, providing a measure of order and protection for Paul against the religious zealotry of his own people. The chief captain's actions exemplify **Prudence and Discretion**, highlighting the wisdom of handling sensitive information with secrecy to ensure the success of a critical operation. This entire episode underscores the **Clash of Kingdoms**, where the spiritual mission of the Gospel (represented by Paul) continually confronts human opposition, yet God's sovereign plan prevails.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chilíarchos (Greek, _chilíarchos'_):** This term (G5506) translates to "chief captain" and literally means "commander of a thousand soldiers." It signifies a high-ranking Roman military tribune, emphasizing Claudius Lysias's significant authority and responsibility within the Roman administrative and military structure in Jerusalem. His actions here are not merely personal but official, reflecting the power and duty of the Roman Empire to protect its citizens.
* **parangéllō (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** Translated as "charged" (G3853), this verb means "to transmit a message," or more strongly, "to enjoin" or "command." It conveys an authoritative and urgent directive. The chief captain wasn't merely suggesting; he was issuing a strict order, underscoring the critical importance of the young man's silence to the success of his protective measures for Paul.
* **eklaléō (Greek, _eklaléō'_):** This word (G1583), meaning "to divulge" or "to tell," is used here in the negative ("tell no man"). Coupled with the negative particle *mēdeís* (G3367, "not even one"), it forms a forceful prohibition against revealing the information. The chief captain's command for the young man not to *eklaléō* the conspiracy's discovery highlights the extreme need for secrecy to prevent the conspirators from altering their plans or escalating their violence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the chief captain then let the young man depart":** This clause describes the immediate and decisive action of Claudius Lysias. Having received crucial intelligence from Paul's nephew, the chief captain promptly dismisses the young man. The use of "so" (KJV) or "then" (many modern translations) indicates a direct consequence of the information received, signifying the chief captain's quick assessment and response to the grave threat against Paul. His action is efficient and calculated, demonstrating his administrative and military acumen.
* **"and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me":** This second clause reveals the specific, urgent instruction given by the chief captain to the young man. The phrase "charged him" (from *parangéllō*) conveys a strong command. The essence of the charge is absolute secrecy: the young man is strictly forbidden from divulging that he informed the chief captain about the assassination plot. This secrecy was vital to ensure the element of surprise for the Roman escort operation and to prevent the conspirators from realizing their plan had been exposed, thereby avoiding further complications or direct confrontation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 23:22 employs several **Literary Devices**. There is a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as a pagan Roman official, Claudius Lysias, becomes an unwitting instrument of God's protection for His chosen apostle, Paul, against the very religious leaders of Israel. This unexpected alliance highlights God's ability to work through any means to accomplish His purposes. The verse also serves as a point of **Narrative Pacing**, swiftly moving the plot forward from the revelation of the conspiracy to the chief captain's immediate, decisive action, building anticipation for Paul's transfer. Furthermore, the command for secrecy creates **Suspense**, emphasizing the dangerous stakes involved and the cunning required to circumvent the plotters. The chief captain's shrewdness in demanding silence also subtly **Foreshadows** the elaborate and secretive transfer of Paul under heavy guard, which immediately follows in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:22 powerfully illustrates God's active and intricate providence in the lives of His servants. Even when human plans are fraught with danger and opposition, God orchestrates circumstances, often through unexpected channels like a young relative or a secular authority, to ensure His purposes are fulfilled. The chief captain's seemingly pragmatic decision to protect a Roman citizen becomes a divinely appointed step in Paul's journey to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's promise to Paul. This episode reassures believers that God is sovereign over all human affairs, including political powers and malicious plots, and He remains faithful to His redemptive plan, preserving those through whom His Gospel is proclaimed.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good") - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord") - "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Encouragement to Paul") - "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:22 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's protection is not always miraculous intervention but often comes through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances. Just as Paul's nephew bravely stepped forward and a Roman chief captain diligently performed his duty, God can use anyone, in any position, to advance His kingdom. This should encourage us to be attentive to the seemingly small acts of obedience or kindness that God might call us to, as they could be crucial links in His grand design. Furthermore, the chief captain's demand for secrecy highlights the importance of discernment and discretion in handling sensitive information, recognizing that not every piece of knowledge should be widely broadcast. We are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that even in the face of grave dangers and conspiracies, He is actively working behind the scenes to protect His people and ensure His purposes prevail. Our role is to remain faithful, courageous, and discerning, allowing God to work through us as He sees fit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account of God's protection for Paul, working through unexpected individuals, challenge or affirm your understanding of divine providence in your own life?**
* **In what situations might discretion and secrecy, as exemplified by the chief captain, be a wise and necessary approach for believers today?**
* **How does the bravery of Paul's nephew inspire you to act courageously when you encounter injustice or threats, even if it seems like a small act?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's ability to use secular authorities or systems to accomplish His spiritual purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was the chief captain's command for secrecy so important?**

Answer: The chief captain's command for secrecy was crucial for several reasons. First, it maintained the element of surprise. If the conspirators had learned that their plot was discovered, they could have changed their plans, escalated their violence, or attempted to intercept Paul's transfer. Second, it protected the young man who revealed the plot from retribution by the oath-bound assassins. Third, it allowed the chief captain to execute his plan for Paul's safe transfer to Caesarea (as detailed in [Acts 23:23-24](/acts/23-23-24 "Paul's Transfer to Caesarea")) without inciting further unrest or open conflict in Jerusalem, which was already a volatile city. His discretion was a strategic move to ensure the success of his mission to protect a Roman citizen.

**Who was the "young man" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "young man" was Paul's nephew, the son of Paul's sister, as explicitly stated in [Acts 23:16](/acts/23-16 "Paul's Nephew Learns of the Plot"). His identity as Paul's relative is significant because it explains how he came to know about the conspiracy and why he was motivated to report it. His brave action was instrumental in saving Paul's life and advancing the narrative towards Paul's eventual journey to Rome.

**What happened immediately after this event?**

Answer: Immediately after this event, the chief captain took decisive action to transfer Paul out of Jerusalem. In [Acts 23:23-24](/acts/23-23-24 "Paul's Transfer to Caesarea"), he summoned two centurions and commanded them to prepare a large escort of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to take Paul safely to Caesarea, to Felix the governor. This covert operation, under the cover of night, ensured Paul's protection from the assassins and set the stage for his subsequent trials and appeals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:22, while focusing on Paul's immediate deliverance, ultimately points to the greater Christ-centered reality of divine protection and the preservation of God's redemptive plan. Just as Paul, the messenger of the Gospel, was providentially guarded from those who sought his life, so too is the Church, the body of Christ, protected by its Head. Jesus Himself promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). This verse reminds us that Christ, who sovereignly rules over all earthly authorities and human schemes ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ's Supremacy Over All Creation")), ensures the continuation of His mission through His people. Paul's preservation here is not merely for his own sake but for the sake of the Gospel he carried, a Gospel that culminates in Christ's finished work on the cross and His resurrection. Every instance of God's protective hand in the lives of His saints, as seen with Paul, is a testament to the unwavering faithfulness of Christ, who is our ultimate Deliverer and the guarantor of our eternal security ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "Jesus' Sheep Are Secure")). The chief captain's actions, though driven by Roman law, were ultimately instruments in the hands of the Lord Jesus, ensuring His witness would reach Rome, just as He had promised Paul ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Promise to Paul in Jerusalem")).

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

Mark 1:44

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Joshua 2:14

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.