Acts 23:24

And provide [them] beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring [him] safe unto Felix the governor.

And {G5037} provide {G3936} them beasts {G2934}, that {G2443} they may set {G1913} Paul {G3972} on {G1913}, and bring him safe {G1295} unto {G4314} Felix {G5344} the governor {G2232}.

also provide replacements for Sha’ul’s horse when it gets tired; and bring him through safely to Felix the governor.”

Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

and he bade them provide beasts, that they might set Paul thereon, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

Commentary on Acts 23:24 (KJV)

Acts 23:24 details a crucial moment in the Apostle Paul's journey, highlighting the Roman authorities' efforts to ensure his safety amidst intense opposition. This verse specifically describes the preparations ordered by Claudius Lysias, the Roman tribune, for Paul's transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea, where he would face Governor Felix.

Context

This verse follows a dramatic sequence of events in Jerusalem. Paul, having been arrested in the temple, faced severe hostility from Jewish factions. A plot by more than forty Jews to assassinate Paul before he could be brought before the Sanhedrin again was uncovered (Acts 23:12-15). Upon learning of this conspiracy from Paul's nephew, Tribune Claudius Lysias took swift and decisive action to protect the Roman citizen, Paul. He assembled a substantial military escort—200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen—to accompany Paul under the cover of night to Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital. Verse 24 specifies the practical arrangements for this journey: "And provide [them] beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring [him] safe unto Felix the governor."

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Protection: Despite the grave danger Paul faced, God's hand was clearly at work, using even pagan Roman authorities to preserve His servant. This aligns with God's earlier promise to Paul that he must testify also at Rome. The elaborate escort and the specific instruction to bring him "safe" underscore this divine oversight.
  • Roman Justice (and its limitations): While the Roman system was often corrupt (as was Felix), it generally upheld the rights of Roman citizens. Lysias acted to protect Paul's legal standing and ensure due process, preventing mob rule from prevailing.
  • Paul's Enduring Mission: This forced transfer to Caesarea, while inconvenient, was a step in God's larger plan to bring Paul to Rome and spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, even before Caesar himself.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "beasts" is the Greek ktēnē (κτῆνη), referring to any domestic animal, particularly those used for burden or riding. It implies horses or mules suitable for a long journey. The phrase "bring him safe" comes from the Greek diasōzō (διασῴζω), which means "to save through," "to preserve," or "to bring safely through a danger." This emphasizes the tribune's explicit intention that Paul arrive unharmed, highlighting the seriousness of the threat against him and the comprehensive nature of the protection provided.

Practical Application

Acts 23:24 reminds believers that God often works through unexpected means and people, even those outside the church, to accomplish His purposes. When facing danger or opposition, we can trust in God's protective hand, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances. Just as Paul was brought "safe" through peril, so too can we find assurance in God's faithfulness to preserve us for the work He has called us to do. This verse encourages perseverance and faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or dangerous.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 23:26

    Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting.

  • Acts 24:10

    ¶ Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

  • Acts 25:14

    And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

  • Acts 23:33

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

  • Acts 24:3

    We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

  • Acts 24:22

    ¶ And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

  • Acts 24:27

    But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

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