### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Lysias**, represented by `{{G3079}}`, refers to a Roman. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, identifying a specific individual within the book of Acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Lysias** is identified as a **chief captain** `{{G5506}}` involved in the events surrounding the Apostle Paul. He is named as Claudius **Lysias** in a letter to the governor Felix [[Acts 23:26]]. His role is central to Paul's legal proceedings, as Felix defers judgment on Paul's case until **Lysias** can come down and provide a more thorough account [[Acts 24:22]]. He is also described as intervening with great **violence** `{{G970}}` to take a person away out of the hands of his accusers [[Acts 24:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the role and context of Lysias:
* `{{G5506}}` **chiliarchos** ((chief, high) captain): This title defines the military and civil authority of Lysias as a commander of a thousand soldiers. Felix refers to him as "Lysias the **chief captain**" when postponing his decision [[Acts 24:22]].
* `{{G5344}}` **Phēlix** (Felix): Lysias reports to the Roman governor **Felix**, to whom he sends a letter regarding a prisoner [[Acts 23:26]].
* `{{G2804}}` **Klaúdios** (Claudius): This is the first name of Lysias, identifying him as Claudius **Lysias** and indicating his Roman standing [[Acts 23:26]].
* `{{G970}}` **bía** (violence): This word describes the forceful manner in which Lysias acted, using "great **violence**" to remove an individual from a hostile group [[Acts 24:7]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Lysias** is demonstrated through his specific actions and position.
* **Roman Authority:** As a **chief captain** `{{G5506}}`, Lysias represents Roman military power and legal process. His intervention demonstrates the enforcement of Roman order.
* **Official Communication:** Lysias communicates formally with higher authorities, as seen in his letter to the "most excellent governor **Felix**" `{{G2232}}` [[Acts 23:26]].
* **Decisive Action:** He is a man of action, using "great **violence**" `{{G970}}` to take an individual out of the hands of a crowd, thereby escalating the situation to an official Roman matter [[Acts 24:7]].
* **Essential Witness:** His presence is deemed necessary for a final decision to be made in a legal case, as Felix deferred the matter until **Lysias** could come down and give his account [[Acts 24:22]].
### Summary
In summary, **Lysias** `{{G3079}}` is a Roman chief captain who plays a brief but critical role in the book of Acts. Mentioned by name only three times, his identity as Claudius **Lysias** and his actions—intervening with force, communicating with Governor Felix, and serving as a key figure in a legal proceeding—are central to the narrative's development. He exemplifies a figure of Roman authority whose decisions directly impact the course of events.
TRV