Acts 23:34

And when the governor had read [the letter], he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that [he was] of Cilicia;

And {G1161} when the governor {G2232} had read {G314} the letter,{G2532} he asked {G1905} of {G1537} what {G4169} province {G1885} he was {G2076}. And {G2532} when he understood {G4441} that {G3754} he was of {G575} Cilicia {G2791};

The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. On learning he was from Cilicia,

The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,

And when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when he understood that he was of Cilicia,

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events in Jerusalem where Paul was rescued from a mob and a plot against his life. The Roman chief captain, Claudius Lysias, had sent Paul under heavy guard from Jerusalem to Caesarea, the Roman administrative capital of Judea, to be tried before Governor Felix. The letter mentioned in the verse details the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the conspiracy against him. Felix's question about Paul's province was a standard legal inquiry to ascertain his jurisdiction over the case.

Key Themes

  • Roman Justice System: The verse highlights the methodical, albeit often flawed, nature of Roman legal proceedings. Felix's inquiry about Paul's origin demonstrates a concern for proper jurisdiction, a fundamental aspect of Roman law.
  • Paul's Background: Paul's identity as a native of Tarsus in Cilicia becomes a crucial detail. This fact would influence where his trial could legitimately take place, as Roman citizens typically had certain rights regarding their place of judgment.
  • Divine Providence: Despite the dangers and plots, Paul's journey to Caesarea and his appearance before the Roman governor were part of God's plan, ultimately leading him to bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "province" here is eparchia (ἐπαρχία), which refers to a Roman administrative division or region. Felix's question was precise, seeking to confirm Paul's official place of origin within the Roman Empire. This detail was significant for determining the appropriate legal venue and for understanding Paul's specific rights as a Roman citizen.

Practical Application

Acts 23:34 reminds us that even in complex and perilous situations, God often works through established systems and authorities. Paul's detailed journey and legal process underscore the importance of due process and proper jurisdiction, even when facing accusations. For believers today, it encourages reliance on God's sovereignty even when caught in bureaucratic or legal entanglements, trusting that His purposes will prevail.

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 21:39

    But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

  • Acts 25:1

    ¶ Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

  • Acts 15:41

    And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

  • Daniel 2:49

    Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel [sat] in the gate of the king.

  • Esther 1:1

    ¶ Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this [is] Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, [over] an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

  • Esther 8:9

    Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

  • Acts 6:9

    Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

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