Acts 23:31

KJV

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought [him] by night to Antipatris.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767}{G3303} the soldiers {G4757}, as {G2596} it was commanded {G1299} them {G846}, took {G353} Paul {G3972}, and brought {G71} him by {G1223} night {G3571} to {G1519} Antipatris {G494}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the soldiers, following their orders, took Sha’ul during the night and brought him to Antipatris,

Berean Standard Bible

So the soldiers followed their orders and brought Paul by night to Antipatris.

American Standard Version

So the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:31 records the urgent and clandestine transfer of the Apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Antipatris by a large contingent of Roman soldiers. This nighttime journey was orchestrated by the Roman tribune Claudius Lysias to protect Paul, a Roman citizen, from a deadly conspiracy by more than forty Jewish men who had sworn an oath to kill him. The verse highlights the Roman authorities' commitment to law and order, which, in this instance, providentially served God's overarching purpose for Paul's life and ministry, ensuring his safe passage to the Roman governor in Caesarea.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 23:31 is the culmination of a dramatic sequence of events following Paul's arrest in Jerusalem. Having been rescued from a mob in the temple courts, Paul appeared before the Sanhedrin, where a division between Pharisees and Sadducees erupted over the resurrection, leading to further chaos ([Acts 23:6-10](/acts/23-6-10 "Paul Before the Sanhedrin")). That night, the Lord appeared to Paul, assuring him, "Take courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome" ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Promise to Paul")). Immediately after this divine assurance, a deadly plot emerged: over forty Jewish men bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "The Conspiracy Against Paul")). Paul's nephew, hearing of the ambush, reported it to the tribune Claudius Lysias ([Acts 23:16-22](/acts/23-16-22 "Paul's Nephew Reveals the Plot")), who, recognizing the severity of the threat and Paul's Roman citizenship, swiftly ordered an elaborate military escort to transfer Paul to Governor Felix in Caesarea ([Acts 23:23-30](/acts/23-23-30 "Claudius Lysias's Letter to Felix")). Verse 31 describes the execution of this critical command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire prided itself on its legal system and the protection afforded to its citizens. Paul, as a Roman citizen by birth, was entitled to certain rights, including the right to a fair trial and protection from unlawful harm, which the tribune Lysias was obligated to uphold. Jerusalem, at this time, was a volatile city under Roman occupation, with frequent tensions between Jewish religious factions and Roman authorities. The journey from Jerusalem to Antipatris (approximately 35 miles or 56 kilometers) and then on to Caesarea (another 25 miles or 40 kilometers) was a significant undertaking. Antipatris itself was a city built by Herod the Great and named after his father, Antipater. It was strategically located on the main road between Jerusalem and Caesarea, making it a logical stopover or transfer point for military movements. Traveling "by night" was a common tactic in ancient times to avoid heat, but in this context, it was primarily for security, to evade the conspirators who planned to ambush Paul during daylight hours.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating how God orchestrates human events, even through secular authorities, to fulfill His purposes for His servants, as seen in the Lord's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Promise to Paul to Testify in Rome"). Secondly, it highlights the **Role of Roman Law and Order** in the spread of the Gospel. Despite the Roman Empire's pagan nature, its legal framework often inadvertently provided a protective environment for Paul's missionary journeys, allowing the message of Christ to advance (cf. [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment and the Advance of the Gospel")). Finally, it is a crucial step in **Paul's Apostolic Mission and Journey to Rome**. This transfer was not merely an escape but a divinely ordained progression towards Paul's ultimate destination—Rome—where he was destined to bear witness to Christ before emperors and kings, as prophesied by Christ himself in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Ananias's Commission Regarding Paul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **soldiers (Greek, _stratiṓtēs'_):** This term (G4757) refers to a "camper-out" or a "common warrior." In this context, it denotes the Roman military personnel. Luke's use of "soldiers" here, combined with the earlier mention of a large contingent (200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, 200 spearmen in [Acts 23:23](/acts/23-23 "Claudius Lysias's Orders")), emphasizes the significant force deployed. Their identity as Roman soldiers highlights the authority and power behind Paul's transfer, ensuring his protection was not left to chance but was a serious military operation.
* **commanded (Greek, _diatássō'_):** This verb (G1299) means "to arrange thoroughly," "institute," or "prescribe." It indicates an official, authoritative order. The use of this word underscores that the soldiers were not acting on their own initiative but were executing a direct command from their superior officer, Claudius Lysias. This detail reinforces the legality and formality of Paul's transfer, framing it as a legitimate Roman state action rather than an informal escort.
* **night (Greek, _nýx'_):** This primary word (G3571) simply means "night" (literally or figuratively). In this verse, its literal use is crucial. The transfer "by night" was not merely a matter of convenience but a strategic necessity. It highlights the extreme danger Paul faced and the urgency of the Roman response. Traveling under the cover of darkness was the only way to circumvent the sworn ambush of the forty conspirators, emphasizing the real and immediate threat to Paul's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the soldiers,"**: This phrase introduces the agents of the action: the Roman military personnel. It connects this verse directly to the tribune Lysias's orders in the preceding verses, indicating the immediate execution of his command.
* **"as it was commanded them,"**: This clause emphasizes the soldiers' obedience to authority. Their actions are not arbitrary but are a direct fulfillment of an official directive, highlighting the disciplined nature of the Roman army and the chain of command.
* **"took Paul, and brought him"**: This describes the primary action of the verse: the physical transfer of Paul. The verbs "took" (G353, _analambánō_) and "brought" (G71, _ágō_) convey the decisive and active role of the soldiers in securing Paul and moving him from Jerusalem.
* **"by night"**: This crucial detail specifies the timing of the journey. The phrase "by night" (Greek: _dia nuktos_) emphasizes the clandestine and urgent nature of the transfer, undertaken specifically to avoid the deadly ambush planned for Paul during daylight hours.
* **"to Antipatris."**: This identifies the immediate destination of Paul's journey. Antipatris served as a strategic midway point on the road to Caesarea, where the Roman governor Felix resided, signifying a temporary safe haven before the final leg of the journey.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 23:31 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as the pagan Roman authorities, driven by their legal obligations and political expediency, unwittingly become instruments of God's divine will to protect His servant and advance the Gospel. Their actions, though devoid of spiritual intent, perfectly align with God's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Promise to Paul to Testify in Rome"). The detail of the journey occurring "by night" serves as **Symbolism**, representing both the immediate danger and the secretive nature of God's protective hand, working behind the scenes to shield Paul from his enemies. Furthermore, the entire episode, culminating in this transfer, acts as **Foreshadowing** for Paul's eventual journey to Rome. This movement away from Jerusalem, under Roman guard, sets the stage for Paul's appeal to Caesar and his ultimate arrival in the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling his apostolic mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:31 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His unwavering commitment to His purposes, even amidst intense human opposition. It illustrates that God's sovereignty extends over all human affairs, including political powers and military actions. He can use any means, even the secular mechanisms of a pagan empire, to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. This verse reassures believers that God is actively involved in their lives, orchestrating circumstances, sometimes through unexpected channels, to ensure His will is accomplished and His people are preserved for their appointed tasks. Paul's deliverance here is a vivid demonstration that God's plan for His messengers will not be thwarted by human malice or conspiracy.

* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "The Lord Will Protect You")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Paul's nighttime transfer to Antipatris offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even when facing overwhelming threats and seemingly insurmountable opposition, God remains sovereign and actively involved in our protection. Just as God used the Roman military, an unexpected and seemingly secular instrument, to safeguard Paul, He can employ diverse and surprising means to deliver us and further His purposes in our lives. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's providence, recognizing that His plans for us will prevail, regardless of the schemes of our adversaries. When we find ourselves in dangerous or uncertain circumstances, we are invited to rest in the assurance that God is orchestrating events for our good and for the fulfillment of His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Acts 23:31 challenge your understanding of how God works in the world, particularly through secular or unexpected channels?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing opposition or threats, and how can this passage encourage you to trust in God's protective hand?**
* **What does Paul's journey, protected by Roman soldiers, teach you about God's commitment to fulfilling His purposes for your life, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul moved from Jerusalem at night?**

Answer: Paul was moved at night to ensure his safety and circumvent a deadly plot. More than forty Jewish men had conspired and sworn an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "The Conspiracy Against Paul")). The Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias, upon learning of this ambush from Paul's nephew ([Acts 23:16-22](/acts/23-16-22 "Paul's Nephew Reveals the Plot")), ordered the nighttime transfer to avoid the conspirators and protect Paul, who was a Roman citizen.

**Who commanded the soldiers to take Paul to Antipatris?**

Answer: The transfer was commanded by Claudius Lysias, the Roman tribune (also known as the chiliarch) in Jerusalem. He was responsible for maintaining order and protecting Roman citizens. His orders are detailed in [Acts 23:23-24](/acts/23-23-24 "Lysias's Orders for Paul's Transfer"), where he instructed his officers to prepare a large escort of soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen to take Paul safely to Governor Felix in Caesarea.

**What was the significance of Antipatris in Paul's journey?**

Answer: Antipatris was a strategic city located approximately 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem, on the main road to Caesarea. It served as a crucial midway point for Paul's journey. The infantry soldiers accompanied Paul as far as Antipatris, and from there, the horsemen continued with him to Caesarea ([Acts 23:32](/acts/23-32 "The Soldiers Return to the Barracks")). This division of the escort highlights the Roman military's efficiency and the perceived decrease in immediate danger once they were a significant distance from Jerusalem, making Antipatris a logical and safe transfer point.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:31, while seemingly a straightforward historical account, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Paul's journey under Roman guard, protected from those who sought his life, mirrors the divine protection afforded to Jesus until His appointed time of sacrifice. Just as Paul was preserved to bear witness to Christ in Rome, Jesus Himself was preserved by divine providence through various threats until He willingly laid down His life on the cross, fulfilling the Father's will (cf. [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "No One Takes My Life From Me")). Paul's suffering and journey, including this perilous transfer, are intrinsically linked to his identity as an apostle of Christ, called to share in the sufferings of Christ and to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")). The very fact that Paul, a messenger of the King, was protected by earthly authorities underscores the overarching sovereignty of God, who ensures that His redemptive plan, centered on Christ, will not be thwarted. Paul's eventual arrival in Rome, though delayed and circuitous, ultimately fulfilled the Lord's promise to him ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Promise to Paul to Testify in Rome")), demonstrating that God's purposes for the global spread of the Gospel through Christ's witnesses will always prevail, even through imprisonment and peril, echoing the Great Commission given by Christ Himself ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")).

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 23:23

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;

Acts 23:24

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

Luke 7:8

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:4

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.