Acts 23:25

KJV

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he wrote {G1125} a letter {G1992} after {G4023} this {G5126} manner {G5179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

And the commander wrote the following letter:

Berean Standard Bible

And he wrote the following letter:

American Standard Version

And he wrote a letter after this form:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:25 serves as a concise yet crucial narrative bridge, introducing the formal letter written by Claudius Lysias, the Roman chief captain, to Governor Felix concerning the Apostle Paul. This brief statement underscores the meticulous administrative procedures of Roman law, ensuring Paul's transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea was conducted with proper documentation and explanation, thereby setting the stage for the next phase of Paul's divinely orchestrated journey toward Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 23:25 immediately precedes the full text of Claudius Lysias's letter to Governor Felix (Acts 23:26-30), which details the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the plot against his life. This verse acts as the narrator's introduction to that official correspondence. The preceding verses (Acts 23:11-24) describe the dramatic events leading to Paul's transfer: God's assurance to Paul that he would testify in Rome, the discovery of a Jewish conspiracy involving over forty men sworn to kill Paul, and Lysias's swift, decisive action to protect Paul by dispatching him under heavy guard to Caesarea. The letter, introduced by this verse, is Lysias's official report justifying his actions and presenting Paul's case to the higher Roman authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire prided itself on its legal system and administrative efficiency. Roman citizens, like Paul (as revealed in [Acts 22:25](/acts/22-25 "Acts 22:25 - Paul's Roman Citizenship")), possessed specific rights, including the right to a fair trial and protection from mob violence. Claudius Lysias, as a Roman tribune, was obligated to uphold these laws and ensure due process, especially for a citizen accused of sedition. Official correspondence, such as the letter mentioned here, was a standard and critical component of Roman governance, providing a formal record of events, charges, and actions taken, ensuring accountability and proper transfer of authority between officials. The journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea was a significant undertaking, requiring a large military escort to ensure the prisoner's safety from potential ambushes, highlighting the seriousness with which Lysias viewed the threat to Paul's life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. It highlights **Divine Protection and Providence**, as God uses the Roman legal system and the actions of a pagan official to safeguard Paul and advance His mission for Paul to bear witness in Rome, as promised in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul"). It also underscores the theme of **Roman Law and Justice**, demonstrating the empire's commitment, albeit imperfect, to maintaining order and upholding the rights of its citizens, even when dealing with religious disputes. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of **Official Communication and Documentation** in legal and administrative processes, providing a clear record that would be vital for Paul's subsequent trials. Finally, it marks a significant **Transition Point** in Paul's ministry, moving him from the immediate danger in Jerusalem towards his ultimate destination and mission in Rome.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrote (Greek, _gráphō_):** This primary verb signifies "to grave," "to write," or "to describe." In this context, it denotes the physical act of inscribing or composing the official letter. It emphasizes the intentional and formal nature of Lysias's communication, not merely an oral report.
* **letter (Greek, _epistolḗ_):** Derived from a word meaning "to send a message," _epistolḗ_ specifically refers to a "written message" or "epistle." This term highlights the formal, documented nature of the communication, distinct from a casual note. It implies a message intended for official review and record-keeping, carrying legal weight.
* **manner (Greek, _týpos_):** From _týptō_ (to strike), _týpos_ originally means a "die" or "stamp," then by extension, a "shape," "style," "form," or "pattern." Here, "after this manner" (along with _periéchō_ and _toûton_) indicates that the letter followed a specific, recognizable form or style, or that its content would be presented "as follows." It implies a structured, perhaps standardized, format for official correspondence, ensuring clarity and proper presentation of the facts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he wrote a letter":** This clause directly attributes the action of writing the letter to Claudius Lysias, the chief captain. It signifies his official capacity and responsibility in handling Paul's case. The act of writing a formal "letter" (epistolḗ) indicates a deliberate, documented communication, essential for legal transfer of a prisoner between jurisdictions.
* **"after this manner:":** This phrase serves as a direct introduction to the content of the letter that immediately follows in the biblical text (Acts 23:26-30). The Greek phrase (combining _periéchō_ "to contain," _toûton_ "this," and _týpos_ "manner/form") essentially means "containing this form" or "to this effect." It signals to the reader that the subsequent verses will provide the exact wording or the substance of the letter Lysias composed, emphasizing its precise and official nature.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 23:25 functions primarily as a **Transitional Statement**. It smoothly shifts the narrative focus from the immediate danger Paul faced in Jerusalem and the chief captain's protective measures to the formal administrative process of transferring Paul to Caesarea. This brief verse also employs **Foreshadowing** by introducing the letter, whose contents (detailed in the following verses) will reveal the specific charges against Paul and Lysias's assessment of the situation, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent trials before Felix and later Festus. While not a complex literary device, the very act of mentioning a "letter" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical letter stands in for its crucial content and purpose – the official report and justification for Paul's transfer. The emphasis on "manner" also subtly hints at the **Legal Documentation** aspect, highlighting the Roman commitment to proper procedure and record-keeping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative verse powerfully illustrates God's intricate providence, demonstrating how He uses even secular authorities and bureaucratic processes to accomplish His divine purposes. The chief captain's decision to write a formal letter, ensuring Paul's safe passage and proper legal representation, was not merely a random act but part of God's overarching plan to bring Paul to Rome to testify for Christ. It shows that God's sovereignty extends over all human systems, even those seemingly mundane or purely secular, orchestrating events to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. This divine oversight provides comfort and assurance that God is actively working in and through all circumstances, even in the midst of danger and legal entanglements.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [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 for the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:25, though brief, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's hand is at work even in the most ordinary or bureaucratic aspects of life. Just as a Roman official's administrative act served God's larger purpose for Paul, so too can seemingly insignificant details or interactions in our lives be part of God's grand design. We are called to trust in His sovereign control, recognizing that He can use any person, system, or circumstance—even those we might deem secular or mundane—to achieve His will and protect His people. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate appearances and discern God's underlying work, fostering a deeper faith in His faithfulness and an appreciation for the intricate ways He orchestrates events for His glory and our good. It also subtly highlights the importance of order, due process, and clear communication, principles that reflect God's own character of order and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my perception of God's involvement in seemingly secular or administrative aspects of life?**
* **Can I identify instances in my own life where God has used unexpected channels or ordinary processes to protect me or advance His purposes?**
* **What does Lysias's adherence to Roman legal protocol teach us about the importance of integrity and due process, even in challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why is this verse so short and seemingly insignificant?**

Answer: While Acts 23:25 is brief, it is far from insignificant. It serves as a crucial narrative pivot and a literary device. Its brevity highlights its function as an introductory statement, preparing the reader for the full text of the letter that immediately follows in [Acts 23:26-30](/acts/23-26-30 "Acts 23:26-30 - Claudius Lysias's Letter to Felix"). This concise introduction emphasizes the formality and importance of the official communication, underscoring the Roman legal procedures involved in Paul's transfer. It is a vital link in the chain of events that leads Paul closer to his ultimate destination in Rome, fulfilling God's prophetic word.

**Who wrote the letter mentioned in this verse, and what was its purpose?**

Answer: The letter was written by Claudius Lysias, the Roman chief captain (tribune) of the cohort stationed in Jerusalem. His purpose in writing the letter was multifaceted: to formally report to Governor Felix in Caesarea about the circumstances of Paul's arrest, the Jewish plot against his life (as detailed in [Acts 23:12-22](/acts/23-12-22 "Acts 23:12-22 - The Plot Against Paul")), and his decision to transfer Paul for a proper hearing. As Paul was a Roman citizen (a fact Lysias discovered in [Acts 22:25-29](/acts/22-25-29 "Acts 22:25-29 - Paul's Roman Citizenship")), Lysias was legally obligated to ensure his safety and due process, which included sending a formal accompanying letter to the higher authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 23:25 describes a seemingly mundane administrative act, it subtly points to the overarching divine providence that orchestrates all things for Christ's ultimate glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Just as a Roman official's letter facilitated Paul's journey toward testifying about Christ in Rome, so too does God sovereignly use all human systems and seemingly ordinary events to fulfill His redemptive plan centered on Jesus Christ. The protection afforded to Paul, a servant of Christ, through this official documentation mirrors the ultimate protection and salvation secured for all believers through Christ's perfect work. The "manner" or "form" of the letter, ensuring proper procedure, can be seen as a faint echo of the divine order and meticulousness with which God executed His plan of salvation, culminating in Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice. Ultimately, every detail of Paul's journey, including this letter, served to propagate the gospel message, demonstrating that Christ is Lord over all authorities and circumstances, and that His mission will prevail, as seen in the spread of the early church described throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles") and the ultimate triumph of the Lamb of God in [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy").

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.