Acts 23:30

KJV

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what [they had] against him. Farewell.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when it was told {G3377} me {G3427} how that {G5259} the Jews {G2453} laid wait {G1917}{G3195}{G1510} for {G1519} the man {G435}, I sent {G3992} straightway {G1824} to {G4314} thee {G4571}, and gave commandment {G3853} to his accusers {G2725} also {G2532} to say {G3004} before {G1909} thee {G4675} what they had against {G4314} him {G846}. Farewell {G4517}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when I was informed of a plot against the man, I immediately sent him to you and also ordered his accusers to state their case against him before you.

Berean Standard Bible

When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also instructed his accusers to present their case against him before you.

American Standard Version

And when it was shown to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to thee forthwith, charging his accusers also to speak against him before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:30 concludes Claudius Lysias's letter to Governor Felix, detailing the tribune's swift and decisive action to transfer the Apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea. Upon learning of a treacherous plot by more than forty Jewish men to ambush and kill Paul, Lysias immediately dispatched Paul under heavy guard and instructed Paul's accusers to present their case formally before Governor Felix, thereby ensuring Paul's safety and a proper legal hearing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement of Claudius Lysias's official letter to Governor Felix, recorded in [Acts 23:26-30](/acts/23-26-30 "Acts 23:26-30 - Lysias's Letter to Felix"). It immediately follows Lysias's explanation of Paul's arrest, his discovery of Paul's Roman citizenship, and the subsequent appearance before the Sanhedrin. The catalyst for this letter and Paul's transfer is the revelation of a deadly conspiracy by over forty Jewish men who had sworn an oath to kill Paul, as detailed in [Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Jewish Plot Against Paul"). Lysias's letter, therefore, provides his official justification for sending Paul away from the volatile Jerusalem environment to the Roman provincial capital in Caesarea, where a higher authority could adjudicate the case. This action also directly fulfills the Lord's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"), that Paul would testify about Him in Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold within the broader context of Roman occupation of Judea. Claudius Lysias, as a Roman tribune, held significant military and administrative authority in Jerusalem. His primary responsibilities included maintaining peace and order, and ensuring justice, especially for Roman citizens. The Jewish Sanhedrin, while possessing religious and some judicial authority, was ultimately subject to Roman oversight. The transfer of Paul to Caesarea, the Roman administrative capital of Judea, signifies a move to a higher court under Governor Felix, who held ultimate judicial power in the province. This period was marked by significant tension between Jewish religious factions and the Roman authorities, often leading to unrest. The plot against Paul highlights the extreme animosity some Jewish leaders felt towards him, viewing him as a dangerous apostate. Lysias's actions, while perhaps self-serving in his portrayal of events (as seen in earlier verses of the letter), ultimately reflect the Roman commitment to due process for its citizens, even amidst political and religious turmoil.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Protection**, demonstrating how God sovereignly uses even secular authorities like Lysias to protect His servant Paul and advance His redemptive purposes, ensuring Paul's journey toward Rome to bear witness to Christ, as explicitly promised in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Roman Justice and Due Process**, depicting the Roman legal system, however imperfect, as an instrument of order that seeks to provide a fair hearing for an accused Roman citizen, contrasting sharply with the mob rule and assassination plot devised by Paul's Jewish adversaries. Thirdly, the passage subtly touches on the theme of **Conflict and Opposition**, showcasing the intense hostility Paul faced from certain Jewish factions, which necessitated such drastic protective measures from the Roman authorities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid wait (Greek, _epiboulḗ'_):** From G1917, this word signifies a "plan against someone," specifically "a plot" or "laying (lying) in wait." In the context of Acts 23:30, it vividly describes the premeditated and treacherous nature of the Jewish conspiracy to ambush and assassinate Paul, emphasizing the deliberate and malicious intent behind their actions.
* **straightway (Greek, _exautēs'_):** From G1824, meaning "from that hour, i.e. instantly." This adverb highlights the immediate and urgent response of Claudius Lysias upon learning of the deadly plot against Paul. It conveys a sense of promptness and decisiveness in his actions to safeguard Paul and transfer him to a more secure location and a higher judicial authority.
* **accusers (Greek, _katḗgoros'_):** From G2725, meaning "against one in the assembly, i.e. a complainant at law." This term refers to those who formally bring charges against someone in a legal setting. Lysias's command for Paul's "accusers" to appear before Felix underscores his adherence to Roman legal procedure, ensuring that the charges against Paul would be presented and heard in a proper judicial forum.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man":** This clause reveals the critical intelligence Lysias received regarding the deadly ambush planned by the Jewish conspirators against Paul. It emphasizes the severity of the threat and the clandestine nature of the plot ("laid wait").
* **"I sent straightway to thee":** This signifies Lysias's immediate and decisive action upon receiving the intelligence. He did not hesitate but promptly dispatched Paul, under heavy guard, to Governor Felix in Caesarea, recognizing the urgency of the situation and the inability to guarantee Paul's safety in Jerusalem.
* **"and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what [they had] against him":** This part of the verse details Lysias's directive to Paul's Jewish adversaries. He commanded them to follow Paul to Caesarea and present their accusations formally before Governor Felix. This demonstrates Lysias's commitment to Roman legal protocol, ensuring that the charges against Paul would be heard in a legitimate court rather than through an assassination.
* **"Farewell.":** This is the formal closing of Lysias's official letter to Governor Felix, a standard epistolary salutation in ancient Roman correspondence.

#### Literary Devices
The passage, as part of Lysias's letter, primarily employs the **Epistolary Form**, a common literary device in the New Testament (e.g., Paul's epistles). This format allows Luke to present a direct, authoritative account of Lysias's perspective and actions, providing insight into the Roman administration's handling of Paul's case. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** within Lysias's actions. While his immediate concern is maintaining order and ensuring due process, his decision to send Paul to Caesarea, and subsequently to Rome for appeal, inadvertently moves Paul closer to the fulfillment of God's divine plan for him to testify in the imperial capital, as promised in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"). This also introduces a subtle **Irony**, as a pagan Roman official, Claudius Lysias, becomes an unwitting instrument of God's protection and purpose for His chosen servant, Paul, despite the concerted efforts of religious leaders to thwart Paul's ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even through secular authorities and complex political circumstances, to protect His servants and advance His redemptive purposes. Lysias's actions, driven by Roman law and a desire for order, inadvertently serve God's plan for Paul to reach Rome and proclaim the Gospel. It underscores the biblical principle that God can use anyone—even those who do not acknowledge Him—to achieve His will. This passage reminds us that divine providence is not limited to overtly spiritual interventions but extends to the intricate workings of human governments and legal systems. God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"), is evident in the protection Paul receives, ensuring he survives the plots against him to continue his mission.
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Acts 25:10-12](/acts/25-10-12 "Acts 25:10-12 - Paul Appeals to Caesar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:30 offers profound encouragement for believers facing opposition or injustice. It reminds us that even when hostile forces conspire against us, God remains sovereign, capable of orchestrating events and using unexpected means—even secular authorities or seemingly mundane administrative decisions—to protect His people and accomplish His will. This passage invites us to cultivate a deep trust in God's providence, recognizing that His plan will prevail regardless of human machinations. It also highlights the importance of legitimate authority in maintaining order and providing a forum for justice, even if imperfectly. For us, this means respecting the rule of law and discerning how God might be at work in the structures of society. In times of trial, we are called to persevere, knowing that God is faithful to preserve His people and fulfill His promises, often in ways we could never foresee. Our ultimate security rests not in human systems, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereign protection, even when facing opposition from unexpected sources?**
* **In what ways can we, like Lysias, act with integrity and uphold justice, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular?**
* **How does understanding the context of Paul's trials deepen your appreciation for his perseverance and God's faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Who was Claudius Lysias and what was his role in this event?**

Answer: Claudius Lysias was the Roman tribune, or commander, of the cohort stationed in Jerusalem. His role was to maintain peace and order in the city, and to administer justice. In this event, he was responsible for Paul's arrest and subsequent handling. Upon discovering a deadly plot against Paul's life by more than forty Jewish men, Lysias took immediate action to protect Paul, a Roman citizen, by transferring him under heavy guard to Governor Felix in Caesarea for a proper legal hearing, as detailed in [Acts 23:23-30](/acts/23-23-30 "Acts 23:23-30 - Paul Sent to Felix").

**Why was Paul sent to Felix in Caesarea instead of being tried in Jerusalem?**

Answer: Paul was sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea for two primary reasons. First, his life was in immediate danger in Jerusalem due to a sworn plot by over forty Jewish men to ambush and kill him (as revealed in [Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Jewish Plot Against Paul")). Lysias, as the Roman tribune, had a duty to protect a Roman citizen. Second, by sending Paul to Felix, Lysias was deferring the case to a higher Roman authority. Caesarea was the Roman provincial capital, and Felix, as the governor, had the ultimate judicial authority in Judea. This ensured Paul would receive a formal and presumably fairer legal hearing, rather than being subjected to mob violence or the limited jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin, as Lysias commanded Paul's accusers to present their case before Felix (Acts 23:30).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:30, though focusing on a Roman official's actions, subtly points to Christ's ultimate sovereignty and the advancement of His kingdom. Just as Paul, a servant of Christ, was "laid wait for" by those who opposed the Gospel, so too was Christ Himself constantly plotted against by religious authorities who sought His destruction ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). Yet, in both cases, God's divine plan prevailed. Lysias's protection of Paul, ensuring his journey to Caesarea and eventually to Rome, foreshadows the way God uses various means, even secular powers, to ensure the Gospel's spread and the preservation of His church. Paul's trials and journey, safeguarded by God's providence, ultimately served to proclaim Christ to kings and governors, fulfilling the divine commission given to him ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission")). The "man" in this verse, Paul, is a type of Christ in his suffering for righteousness and his ultimate vindication, echoing the truth that while the world may plot against God's people, the Lord remains faithful to His promises, ensuring that His redemptive purposes, centered on Christ, will be fully accomplished ([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

Acts 23:20

And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

Acts 25:5

Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with [me], and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

Acts 25:6

And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

Acts 24:6

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

Acts 24:8

Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

Acts 23:35

I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

Acts 25:16

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.