Acts 23:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I will hear {G1251} thee {G4675}, said he {G5346}, when {G3752} thine {G4675} accusers {G2725} are {G3854} also {G2532} come {G3854}. And {G5037} he commanded {G2753} him {G846} to be kept {G5442} in {G1722} Herod's {G2264} judgment hall {G4232}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he said, “I will give you a full hearing after your accusers have also arrived,” and ordered him to be kept under guard in Herod’s headquarters.

Berean Standard Bible

he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.

American Standard Version

I will hear thee fully, said he, when thine accusers also are come: and he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s palace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:35 records Governor Felix's decision regarding the Apostle Paul's legal status in Caesarea. Upon learning Paul's provincial origin, Felix declared he would defer the full hearing until Paul's accusers arrived from Jerusalem. In the interim, he commanded Paul to be held under guard in the magnificent former palace of Herod the Great, which served as the Roman governor's official residence and courtroom, signifying the commencement of Paul's prolonged detention under Roman jurisdiction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate conclusion to a dramatic sequence of events in Paul's life. Following his arrest in Jerusalem and a tumultuous hearing before the Sanhedrin, a plot was uncovered where more than forty zealous Jews vowed to kill Paul ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - Plot Against Paul")). To ensure Paul's safety and uphold Roman law, Tribune Claudius Lysias orchestrated a heavily guarded transfer of Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital ([Acts 23:23-33](/acts/23-23-33 "Acts 23:23-33 - Paul Transferred to Caesarea")). Upon Paul's arrival, Felix, the Roman governor, received Lysias's letter and inquired about Paul's province of origin to confirm his jurisdiction. Finding Paul was from Cilicia, Felix then made the pronouncement in [Acts 23:35](/acts/23-35 "Acts 23:35 - Felix's Decision on Paul's Custody"), setting the stage for Paul's subsequent trials and extended imprisonment, which would continue through [Acts 24](/acts/24 "Acts 24 - Paul Before Felix") and [Acts 25](/acts/25 "Acts 25 - Paul Before Festus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman legal system, though often corrupt in practice, theoretically emphasized due process, including the right of the accused to face their accusers. Governor Felix's statement, "I will hear thee...when thine accusers are also come," reflects this principle. Caesarea Maritima was the administrative and military capital of Roman Judea, making it the appropriate seat for the governor's court. "Herod's judgment hall" (Greek: _praitorion_) refers to the grand palace built by Herod the Great, which, after his death, was repurposed as the official residence and headquarters of the Roman procurator. This complex included administrative offices, barracks for the governor's guard, and a courtroom. Its use for Paul's detention underscored the shift from Jewish religious authority to Roman imperial jurisdiction, placing Paul firmly within the Roman legal framework. This setting also highlights the power dynamics of the time, where Roman authority ultimately superseded local Jewish governance.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 23:35](/acts/23-35 "Acts 23:35 - Felix's Decision on Paul's Custody") contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it emphasizes **Roman Due Process**, showcasing how Roman law, despite its imperfections, often served to protect Paul from the immediate, violent intentions of his Jewish adversaries. Felix's insistence on the accusers' presence aligns with established legal norms. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Providence**, as Paul's transfer and subsequent detention in Caesarea, though seemingly a setback, was part of God's larger plan to preserve Paul's life and advance the gospel. This aligns with the Lord's earlier assurance to Paul in Jerusalem: "Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul")). Finally, it marks the beginning of **Paul's Prolonged Imprisonment**, a period that would last for two years under Felix ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Two-Year Imprisonment")) and ultimately lead to his appeal to Caesar and journey to Rome, fulfilling the divine mandate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Greek, _diakoúomai_):** This verb, used in the middle voice, signifies to "hear throughout" or to "listen patiently." It implies a thorough and attentive hearing, particularly in a legal context, suggesting Felix's intention to give a complete and fair hearing to Paul's case, rather than a cursory dismissal. This reflects a commitment to the procedural aspects of Roman law.
* **accusers (Greek, _katḗgoros_):** Derived from words meaning "against" and "assembly," this term refers to a complainant at law. In this context, it specifically denotes those Jewish leaders who had traveled from Jerusalem to press charges against Paul before the Roman governor. Their presence was essential for the Roman legal process to proceed, as the accused had the right to face their specific charges and those presenting them.
* **judgment hall (Greek, _praitṓrion_):** This word, of Latin origin (praetorium), refers to the official residence of a Roman governor, which typically included a courtroom or a place for legal proceedings. In Caesarea, it was Herod the Great's former palace. Its use here underscores the official, governmental, and legal setting of Paul's detention and impending trial, shifting the arena of conflict from the Jewish temple and Sanhedrin to the Roman imperial court.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come."**: This clause reveals Governor Felix's decision regarding Paul's immediate future. He postpones the full hearing of the case until Paul's accusers, who were still in Jerusalem, could arrive in Caesarea. This adheres to the Roman legal principle that both parties, the accused and the accusers, must be present for a formal trial to commence. Felix's statement indicates a commitment, at least superficially, to proper legal procedure.
* **"And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall."**: This part details the specific instruction given by Felix concerning Paul's custody. Paul was not to be released but held under guard within the _praetorium_, the governor's official residence and administrative center. This command initiated Paul's prolonged period of imprisonment in Caesarea, placing him in a secure, official location while awaiting the arrival of his accusers and the subsequent legal proceedings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Legal Language** and **Setting** as key literary devices. The phrase "I will hear thee...when thine accusers are also come" is a direct reflection of Roman legal procedure, emphasizing the formal and structured nature of the impending trial. This legalistic phrasing highlights the shift from the chaotic, mob-driven justice Paul faced in Jerusalem to the more ordered, albeit still potentially biased, Roman court. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "Herod's judgment hall" (the **Setting**) is highly significant. It is not merely a descriptive detail but a symbolic one. The _praetorium_ represents the pinnacle of Roman imperial power and authority in the province, a place where justice (or injustice) was dispensed by the highest Roman official. By placing Paul here, Luke emphasizes the gravity of the situation, the direct confrontation between the gospel and imperial power, and foreshadows the further legal battles Paul will face, ultimately leading him to Rome. This specific setting links Paul's experience to that of Jesus, who was also brought before Pilate in a _praetorium_ ([John 18:28](/john/18-28 "John 18:28 - Jesus Before Pilate")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:35, though seemingly a simple administrative detail, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty working through human institutions, even those that are imperfect or unjust. Paul's detention, while a restriction on his freedom, was simultaneously a protection from the murderous plots of his enemies in Jerusalem. God's providential hand is evident in Felix's decision to delay the hearing, which inadvertently bought time for Paul and set the stage for his witness to Roman officials, fulfilling the Lord's promise that Paul would testify in Rome. This demonstrates that God can use periods of waiting, confinement, and legal entanglement not as hindrances, but as strategic opportunities for His purposes to advance, often in ways humanly unforeseen.

* [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Two-Year Imprisonment") - This verse explicitly states that Paul remained imprisoned for two years under Felix, demonstrating the extended nature of the "keeping" mentioned in Acts 23:35.
* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul") - God's promise to Paul that he must bear witness in Rome provides the overarching divine context for Paul's journey through trials and imprisonment, including his detention in Caesarea.
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel") - Paul himself later reflects on how his imprisonment (likely including this period) actually served to advance the gospel, making his chains known for Christ throughout the whole _praetorium_ guard.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:35 offers a powerful reminder that God's purposes are not thwarted by human delays, legal proceedings, or even imprisonment. Paul, a zealous missionary, finds himself confined, yet this confinement is part of a larger divine strategy. For believers today, this verse encourages patience and trust in God's timing, even when circumstances seem to hold us back or when we face periods of waiting. Our "delays" or "detentions" can be divine appointments, opportunities for God to work in unseen ways, to protect us, or to open new doors for witness. It challenges us to see beyond immediate discomfort or injustice and discern God's hand at work, knowing that He can use any situation to advance His kingdom. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of due process and fair legal proceedings, echoing biblical principles of justice that advocate for the right to face one's accusers and receive a just hearing, even in secular courts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's experience of being "kept" in the judgment hall challenge my understanding of God's providence in difficult or restrictive circumstances?**
* **In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing a "waiting period" or a sense of confinement, and how can I trust that God is working through it for His purposes?**
* **What does Paul's journey through the Roman legal system teach me about engaging with secular authorities and advocating for justice?**

### FAQ

**What was "Herod's judgment hall" and why was it significant?**

Answer: "Herod's judgment hall" was the _praetorium_ (Greek: _praitṓrion_), which was the official residence and administrative headquarters of the Roman governor in Caesarea. This magnificent palace was originally built by Herod the Great. Its significance lies in its role as the seat of Roman authority and justice in the province. For Paul, being held here meant he was under direct Roman imperial custody, shifting his legal battle from Jewish religious courts to the highest secular authority in Judea. It was a secure location, preventing further plots against his life, and served as the venue for his subsequent trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.

**Why did Governor Felix delay Paul's hearing?**

Answer: Governor Felix delayed Paul's hearing because he adhered to Roman legal procedure, which required the accusers to be present for a formal trial. He stated, "I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come." This ensured that Paul would have the opportunity to face his specific charges and those presenting them, upholding the principle of due process. While Felix later showed signs of corruption and indecisiveness ([Acts 24:26-27](/acts/24-26-27 "Acts 24:26-27 - Felix's Corruption")), his initial decision here was legally sound.

**What happened to Paul after this verse?**

Answer: After this verse, Paul remained imprisoned in Caesarea for two years under Governor Felix ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Two-Year Imprisonment")). During this time, his accusers, led by the high priest Ananias and an orator named Tertullus, arrived from Jerusalem to present their case against him ([Acts 24:1-9](/acts/24-1-9 "Acts 24:1-9 - Paul Accused Before Felix")). Paul then presented his defense before Felix ([Acts 24:10-21](/acts/24-10-21 "Acts 24:10-21 - Paul's Defense Before Felix")). Although Felix heard Paul on several occasions and even developed some interest in his message, he kept Paul imprisoned, partly hoping for a bribe and partly to gain favor with the Jews. Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea eventually led to his appeal to Caesar and his journey to Rome, as prophesied by the Lord ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:35, detailing Paul's detention in Herod's judgment hall, resonates deeply with the experiences of Christ, offering a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Paul, an innocent man, was subjected to the Roman legal system, held in a _praetorium_, and faced accusations from his own people, so too was Jesus. The Gospels explicitly state that Jesus was led to the _praetorium_ to be brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor ([John 18:28](/john/18-28 "John 18:28 - Jesus Led to the Praetorium")). There, He endured false accusations, unjust questioning, and ultimately, a verdict of condemnation despite Pilate finding no fault in Him ([John 19:4](/john/19-4 "John 19:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")). Paul's suffering and legal entanglements, therefore, mirror the path of his Lord, embodying the call to take up one's cross and follow Christ ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). Furthermore, Paul's willingness to endure imprisonment and trials for the sake of the gospel reflects Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where He, as the Lamb of God, willingly submitted to suffering and death to fulfill God's redemptive plan ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter"); [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Paul's detention, far from being a defeat, became a strategic part of God's plan to advance the gospel to the Gentiles and ultimately to Rome, echoing how Christ's crucifixion, the ultimate act of suffering, became the very means of salvation for all humanity ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Through the Cross")).

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 23:30

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.

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.

Matthew 27:27

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band [of soldiers].

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Acts 24:19

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Matthew 2:3

When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Acts 24:1

¶ And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.