Acts 23:23

KJV

And he called unto [him] two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he called unto {G4341} him {G5100} two {G1417} centurions {G1543}, saying {G2036}, Make ready {G2090} two hundred {G1250} soldiers {G4757} to {G3704} go {G4198} to {G2193} Caesarea {G2542}, and {G2532} horsemen {G2460} threescore and ten {G1440}, and {G2532} spearmen {G1187} two hundred {G1250}, at {G575} the third {G5154} hour {G5610} of the night {G3571};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he summoned two of the captains and said, “Get two hundred infantry soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight, and seventy mounted cavalry and two hundred spearmen;

Berean Standard Bible

Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night.

American Standard Version

And he called unto him two of the centurions, and said, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:23 meticulously details the urgent and substantial military escort orchestrated by Chief Captain Lysias to transport the Apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea. This precise command, issued at the third hour of the night, underscores the critical need for speed, secrecy, and overwhelming force to protect Paul from a deadly conspiracy and ensure his safe passage to the Roman provincial capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 23:23 immediately follows the dramatic discovery of a sworn plot by over forty Jewish men to assassinate Paul. After Paul's tumultuous appearance before the Sanhedrin, which devolved into a violent dispute between Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul's nephew overheard the conspiracy and reported it to Lysias. Lysias, a Roman tribune responsible for maintaining order and protecting Roman citizens, recognized the extreme danger Paul faced. The previous verse, [Acts 23:22](/acts/23-22 "Acts 23:22 - Lysias Dismisses Paul's Nephew"), shows Lysias dismissing Paul's nephew with a strict instruction not to reveal their conversation, highlighting the secrecy surrounding the impending transfer. This verse, therefore, marks Lysias's decisive and immediate action to safeguard Paul, setting the stage for Paul's extended imprisonment and eventual journey to Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Maritima was the Roman administrative capital of Judea, serving as the residence for the Roman governor (procurator). It was a major port city, strategically important, and home to a significant Roman military presence. Jerusalem, by contrast, was a hotbed of Jewish religious and political fervor, often volatile under Roman occupation. Roman citizenship, which Paul possessed, afforded him significant legal protections, including the right to appeal to Caesar and protection from unlawful execution. Lysias, as a Roman officer, was obligated to uphold these rights. The deployment of such a large military contingent—totaling 470 men—was not merely a show of force but a genuine necessity given the fanatical nature of the plotters and the potential for widespread unrest. Nighttime travel was common for urgent or dangerous missions, providing cover and reducing the likelihood of ambush.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in safeguarding His servant Paul against formidable human opposition. Despite the intense hatred and elaborate schemes, God uses even secular Roman authority to ensure Paul's preservation, fulfilling His earlier promise that Paul would bear witness in Rome, as seen in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul"). Secondly, it underscores **Roman Authority and Order**, showcasing the efficiency and power of the Roman military in maintaining stability and protecting its citizens. Lysias's swift and overwhelming response reflects Rome's commitment to law and order, even if it inadvertently serves God's purposes. Lastly, the detail of the "third hour of the night" (around 9 PM) emphasizes the **Urgency and Secrecy** of the operation, vital for evading the conspirators and ensuring Paul's secure departure from Jerusalem, thus preventing further chaos and bloodshed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Centurions (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** From ἑκατόν (one hundred) and ἄρχω (to rule), this term refers to the captain of one hundred men. Lysias specifically calls for "two centurions," indicating a significant delegation of authority and responsibility for this critical mission. These officers would command the substantial military escort.
* **Make ready (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** This verb means "to prepare" or "to provide." The command "Make ready" conveys the immediate and urgent nature of Lysias's directive. It implies a rapid mobilization of troops and resources, emphasizing the critical need for swift action to counter the deadly threat against Paul.
* **Spearmen (Greek, _dexiolábos'_):** Derived from δεξιός (right) and λαμβάνω (to take), this term describes a guardsman or light-armed soldier, literally one who "takes the right." The inclusion of two hundred spearmen, alongside soldiers and horsemen, highlights the comprehensive and diverse nature of the military escort, designed for maximum protection and readiness against any form of attack.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called unto him two centurions":** Chief Captain Lysias, understanding the gravity of the threat to Paul, immediately takes decisive action by summoning two of his most trusted and capable officers. This act signifies the delegation of a high-priority mission requiring significant command and control.
* **"saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea":** Lysias issues a direct and urgent command for the immediate preparation of a substantial infantry force. The destination, Caesarea, is specified, indicating the pre-planned transfer of Paul to the Roman provincial capital for his safety and further legal proceedings.
* **"and horsemen threescore and ten":** In addition to the infantry, Lysias orders the deployment of seventy horsemen. This cavalry component would provide speed, reconnaissance, and a strong defensive screen, particularly crucial for a nighttime journey and potential ambushes along the road.
* **"and spearmen two hundred":** A further two hundred specialized soldiers, identified as spearmen, are commanded to join the escort. This adds another layer of armed protection, bringing the total military contingent to an impressive 470 men, underscoring the extreme measures taken to secure Paul.
* **"at the third hour of the night;":** This precise timing, approximately 9:00 PM, emphasizes the urgency and secrecy of the operation. A nighttime departure would minimize visibility, reduce the risk of detection by the conspirators, and avoid the bustling activity of daytime Jerusalem, ensuring a more secure and swift exit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the gravity and precision of the situation. The sheer enumeration of forces ("two hundred soldiers," "threescore and ten horsemen," "two hundred spearmen") creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the perceived danger to Paul and the overwhelming Roman response. This detailed accounting also contributes to a feeling of **Realism**, grounding the narrative in specific, verifiable actions. The command for a nighttime departure at "the third hour of the night" introduces **Suspense** and highlights the **Urgency** of the situation, building tension as Paul's life hangs in the balance. Furthermore, the Roman military's unwitting role in protecting God's apostle can be seen as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as human authority, driven by its own laws and duties, becomes an instrument of divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:23 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all human affairs, even the actions of secular authorities. Lysias's decisive command, though motivated by Roman law and the protection of a citizen, serves as a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul") that he would bear witness in Rome. This demonstrates that God can use unexpected means and powerful earthly systems to accomplish His divine purposes, ensuring the safety of His servants and the advancement of His kingdom. The massive escort highlights that no human plot, however elaborate or fanatical, can thwart God's ultimate plan for His people and the spread of the Gospel.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Philippians 1:12 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:23 offers a profound lesson in divine providence and protection. In moments of intense vulnerability and grave danger, Paul experienced God's unwavering care, manifested through the unexpected actions of a Roman chief captain and a massive military escort. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem overwhelming or hostile. Just as God used the Roman Empire to protect His apostle and advance the Gospel, He can and does use various means—even secular systems, unexpected allies, or seemingly random events—to safeguard His people and accomplish His purposes in our lives. We are reminded that our security ultimately rests not in human strength or strategic planning, but in the faithful hand of an omnipotent God who orchestrates all things for His glory and our good. This should inspire courage and peace, knowing that if God is for us, no human conspiracy or opposition can ultimately prevail against His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account of Paul's protection challenge or strengthen your understanding of God's providence in difficult circumstances?**
* **Can you identify times in your own life when God used unexpected or secular means to provide for or protect you?**
* **What does Lysias's immediate and decisive action teach us about our responsibility to act justly and protect the vulnerable, even when it is inconvenient or costly?**

### FAQ
**Why did Lysias send such a large military escort for Paul?**

Answer: Lysias dispatched an exceptionally large force—two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, totaling 470 men—due to the extreme and credible threat against Paul's life. Paul's nephew had revealed a sworn plot by over forty Jewish men who vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Plot Against Paul")). As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to robust protection under Roman law. Lysias, as the chief captain, was responsible for maintaining order and preventing further unrest or the murder of a Roman citizen under his watch. The sheer size of the escort underscores the severity of the perceived danger and the Roman commitment to upholding their legal system and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 23:23 describes a secular military operation, it profoundly illustrates the divine orchestration of events that ultimately serve Christ's redemptive plan. Paul's miraculous preservation, facilitated by this massive Roman escort, ensures his continued mission to bear witness to Christ, ultimately leading him to Rome as prophesied by the Lord Himself in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul"). This protection, though earthly, mirrors the ultimate divine protection afforded to Christ in His earthly ministry until His appointed time of sacrifice, and His ultimate triumph over death. Just as all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")), even the Roman Empire, with its formidable power, unknowingly became an instrument in the hands of God to advance the Gospel of His Son. Paul's journey to Caesarea and eventually Rome, under the watchful eye of human authorities, foreshadows the global spread of the Gospel, which cannot be thwarted by any earthly power or conspiracy, because Christ reigns supreme over all things, having disarmed the powers and authorities through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

Matthew 14:25

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Acts 23:33

Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Luke 12:38

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants.