### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chilíarchos**, represented by `{{G5506}}`, refers to a **commander of a thousand soldiers**. It appears **22 times** in **22 unique verses** in the Bible. The term, often translated as **chief captain** or **high captain**, denotes a high-ranking military officer, equivalent to a colonel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5506}}` is predominantly used to identify the Roman military commander in Jerusalem who plays a crucial role in the life of the apostle Paul. This **chief captain** first appears when he intervenes to stop a riot, saving Paul from a mob [[Acts 21:31-32]]. He commands that Paul be bound with two **chains** `{{G254}}` and brought into the **castle** `{{G3925}}` for interrogation ([[Acts 21:33]], [[Acts 22:24]]). The commander, identified as Lysias [[Acts 24:22]], continues to protect Paul from plots against his life, even using his soldiers to move him safely away from the **council** `{{G4892}}` ([[Acts 23:10]], [[Acts 23:15]]). The term is also used for the military official present at the arrest of Jesus [[John 18:12]] and in apocalyptic visions where **chief captains** are listed among the earth's powerful figures facing judgment ([[Revelation 6:15]], [[Revelation 19:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the military and social hierarchy surrounding a **chilíarchos**:
* `{{G1543}}` **hekatontárchēs** (centurion): As the captain of one hundred men, a **centurion** was a subordinate officer who took orders from the **chief captain** ([[Acts 21:32]], [[Acts 23:17]]).
* `{{G4686}}` **speîra** (band): This word identifies the military cohort or mass of men under the command of the **chief captain**. The arrival of the **chief captain** of the **band** was prompted by news that Jerusalem was in an uproar [[Acts 21:31]].
* `{{G3925}}` **parembolḗ** (castle): This refers to the barracks or military encampment that served as the headquarters for the **chief captain**. He commanded Paul be brought into the **castle** multiple times for protection and examination ([[Acts 22:24]], [[Acts 23:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The role of `{{G5506}}` is significant in several ways:
* **Representation of Roman Law:** The **chief captain** acts as the primary agent of Roman imperial power and order in Jerusalem. He is responsible for quelling civil unrest [[Acts 21:31]] and conducting investigations, as seen when he commands Paul be bound and questioned ([[Acts 21:33]], [[Acts 22:24]]).
* **Instrument of Divine Providence:** Though a secular official, the **chief captain** Lysias becomes a key instrument in the preservation of Paul's life. He rescues Paul from mobs on multiple occasions ([[Acts 21:32]], [[Acts 23:10]]), allowing Paul's journey to continue.
* **Symbol of Earthly Authority:** In apocalyptic contexts, **chief captains** are grouped with other worldly leaders like **kings** `{{G935}}`, **great men** `{{G3175}}`, and the **mighty** `{{G1415}}`. They represent the pinnacle of human power that will ultimately be humbled before divine judgment ([[Revelation 6:15]], [[Revelation 19:18]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5506}}` **chilíarchos** provides a specific title for a high-ranking Roman military commander. In the narrative of Acts, this figure is central to the events surrounding Paul's arrest and protection, embodying the complex interaction between the early church and Roman authority. In Revelation, the term expands to symbolize the formidable but transient nature of all earthly power when contrasted with the sovereignty of God.
TRV