Atos 23
John Phillips · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 23
Phillips - “The man was despicable, but the office was venerable. Paul, showing his own instinctive knowledge of the law and his willing submission to the law, paid his respects to the position if not the person.” (Exploring Acts) Jack Arnold - When Paul was wrong, he did not make excuses. He was instantly repentant. When we do something wrong, we should immediately rectify it if we can. How many Christians today show disrespect for governmental leaders. They may refer to the president of the U.S.A. as an “idiot” or the congress as “clowns” and make all kinds of caustic remarks. Christian, you are to obey your government and show respect for leaders regardless of who they are or how bad they are. You do not have to agree but you must show respect. Any disrespect for government officials may catch up with us someday if persecution ever breaks out in our country. Brian Bell comments that "In a heated moment Paul said the wrong thing to the wrong person, lost his opportunity to receive a fair trial, and, most importantly, blown his chance to explain the gospel. Result? The situation turns ugly, & Paul now has to think fast just to get out alive." Richard Longenecker on the fate of Ananias - When the war with Rome began in A.D. 66, the nationalists burned his house (cf. Jos. War 17:6 ) and he was forced to flee to the palace of Herod the Great in the northern part of Jerusalem (ibid., 429 [xvii.6]). Ananias was finally trapped while hiding in an aqueduct on the palace grounds and was killed along with his brother Hezekiah (ibid., 441-42 [xvii.9]). (The Expositor's Bible Commentary – Volume 9: John and Acts) Acts 23:6 But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead! KJV Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. NET Acts 23:6 Then when Paul noticed that part of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, he shouted out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead!" GNT Acts 23:6 Γνοὺς δὲ ὁ Παῦλος ὅτι τὸ ἓν μέρος ἐστὶν Σαδδουκαίων τὸ δὲ ἕτερον Φαρισαίων ἔκραζεν ἐν τῷ συνεδρίῳ, Ἄνδρες ἀδελφοί, ἐγὼ Φαρισαῖός εἰμι, υἱὸς Φαρισαίων· περὶ ἐλπίδος καὶ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν [ἐγὼ] κρίνομαι. NLT Acts 23:6 Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!" ESV Acts 23:6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial." CSB Acts 23:6 When Paul realized that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part were Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees! I am being judged because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!" NIV Acts 23:6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." NAB Acts 23:6 Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; (I) am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead." NKJ Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" NJB Acts 23:6 Now Paul was well aware that one party was made up of Sadducees and the other of Pharisees, so he called out in the Sanhedrin, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of Pharisees. It is for our hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.' GWN Acts 23:6 When Paul saw that some of them were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he shouted in the council, "Brothers, I'm a Pharisee and a descendant of Pharisees. I'm on trial because I expect that the dead will come back to life." NRS Acts 23:6 When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead." YLT Acts 23:6 and Paul having known that the one part are Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, cried out in the sanhedrim, 'Men, brethren, I am a Pharisee -- son of a Pharisee -- concerning hope and rising again of dead men I am judged.' Paul began crying out in the Council Mt 10:16 I am a Pharisee Acts 26:5; Phil 3:5 I am on trial for the hope Acts 24:15,21; 26:6-8; 28:20 Video of Paul before the Sanhedrin Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE RESURRECTION OUR BLESSED HOPE The believer's resurrection is not a "hope so," but a "hope sure!" It will happen in God's timing and we will be resurrected, changed in the twinkling of an eye and given glorified (and sinless) bodies which we will live in forever and ever. Amen! But perceiving (ginosko) that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees - Perceive means to become aware of through one's senses. Being a former Pharisee, Paul was well aware of the significant theological differences between the two dominant Jewish religious parties. See What are the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees? Sadducees (4523) see word study of saddoukaios Holman Bible Dictionary - “The Sadducees were the aristocrats of the time. They were the party of the rich and the high priestly families. They were in charge of the Temple and its services. They claimed to be descendants of Zadok, high priest in the time of Solomon. However, the true derivation of their name is unknown. In all our literature, they stand in opposition to the Pharisees. They sought to conserve the beliefs and practices of the past. They opposed the oral law, accepting the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, as the ultimate authority. The Sadducees were materialistic in their outlook. They did not believe in life after death or any reward or punishment beyond this life. They denied the existence of angels and demons. They did not believe that God was concerned with what people did. Rather people were totally free. They were politically oriented, supporters of ruling powers, whether Seleucids or Romans. They wanted nothing to threaten their position and wealth, so they strongly opposed Jesus” Who were the Sadducees? Pharisees (5330) see word study of pharisaios Holman Bible Dictionary - “Pharisees The Pharisees constituted the most important group. They appear in the Gospels as the opponents of Jesus. Paul claimed that he was a Pharisee before becoming a Christian (Phil. 3:5). They were the most numerous of the groups, although Josephus stated that they numbered only about six thousand. They controlled the synagogues and exercised great control over the general population. “No surviving writing gives us information about the origin of the Pharisees. The earliest reference to them is dated in the time of Jonathan (160-143 B.C.), where Josephus refers to Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. Their good relations with the rulers ended in the time of John Hyrcanus (134-104 B.C.). They came to power again when Salome Alexandra became queen (76 B.C.). “The name “Pharisee” means “the separated ones.” It may mean that they separated themselves from the masses of the people or that they separated themselves to the study and interpretation of the law. It is usually assumed that they were the spiritual descendants of the Hasidim, the loyal fighters for religious freedom in the time of Judas Maccabeus. They appear to be responsible for the transformation of Judaism from a religion of sacrifice to one of law. They were the developers of the oral tradition, the teachers of the two-fold law: written and oral. They saw the way to God as being through obedience to the law. They were the progressives of the day, willing to adopt new ideas and adapt the law to new situations. “The Pharisees were strongly monotheistic. They accepted all the Old Testament as authoritative. They affirmed the reality of angels and demons. They had a firm belief 16 in life beyond the grave and a resurrection of the body. They were missionary, seeking the conversion of Gentiles (Matt. 23:15). They saw God as concerned with the life of a person without denying that the individual was responsible for how he or she lived. They had little interest in politics. The Pharisees opposed Jesus because He refused to accept the teachings of the oral law” Who were the Pharisees? Paul began crying out in the Council (sunedrion) - Crying out is krazo in the imperfect tense signifying continual action, over and over. Paul must have been aware that this would create an uproar and make it impossible for him to share the Gospel. Brethren - This is the third time (Acts 23:1, 5, 6) Paul addresses the Council with the relatively respectful greeting of brethren (even though he is "crying out.") I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees - Paul wrote to the church at Philippi that he was "circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless." (Php 3:5-6+) Then Paul made a claim that he must have realized would set the Sanhedrin on their ears. In the Sanhedrin there were Pharisees and Sadducees whose beliefs were often opposed. The Pharisees believed in the minutiae of the oral Law; the Sadducees accepted only the written Law. The Pharisees believed in predestination; the Sadducees believed in free-will. The Pharisees believed in angels and spirits; the Sadducees did not. Above all, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead; the Sadducees did not. I am on trial (krino in present passive = being judged) for the hope and resurrection of the dead! - He is correct! The foundation of the good news of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ is alive and will one day raise the dead. The teaching of that "hope," that truth caused a reaction among the "intelligentsia" (Acts 17:32+) and now among the Jews. The truth of the resurrection brought derision, division and defiance in Paul's day and it still does today. So dear proclaimer of the Gospel, do not be surprised when they "put you on trial" for telling them of the resurrection of the dead! The "hope" (the absolute assurance) is that the dead will be resurrected (cf Jesus' teaching in Jn 5:29 - of course Paul's emphasis was on the "resurrection of life," not the "resurrection of judgment"). Recall that the previous uproar was incited by a single word (Gentiles in Acts 22:21+), just as was this uproar (resurrection)! And in both circumstances Paul was unable to preach the Gospel! Paul's later statement in Acts 24:20-21 does suggest that perhaps raising the resurrection issue (pun intended) was not the best tactic, especially in view of his desire for the salvation of the Jews as recorded in Ro 9:1-4+. (See "Two Views" below) Paul alludes to this great future event again in Acts 24 before the governor Felix... "Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’” (Acts 24:20-21+) Hope (1680)(elpis) in the NT almost always is used with a positive spiritual sense, that God will do good to us in the future. It usually describes an absolute assurance of future good, in this case that our bodies will rise again even after we die. Related Resources: Blessed Hope: Part 1 Blessed Hope: Part 2 Resources on the Blessed Hope Resurrection (386)(anastasis from ana = up, again + histemi = to cause to stand) literally means “to stand again" or "to cause to stand again" and most NT uses refer to a physical body rising from the dead or coming back to life after having once died. The resurrection is distinguished from belief in reincarnation, which usually involves a series of rebirths from which the soul may seek release. Resurrection has primary reference to the body. The resurrection is the central, defining doctrine and claim of the gospel for as Paul wrote "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." (1Cor 15:14) Anastasis uses in Acts - Acts 1:22; Acts 2:31; Acts 4:2; Acts 4:33; Acts 17:18; Acts 17:32; Acts 23:6; Acts 23:8; Acts 24:15; Acts 24:21; Acts 26:23 Jack Arnold - It seems to me that Paul assumed his cause for a fair trial was lost since the high priest was a Sadducee, so Paul made a last ditch appeal to the Pharisees in the group. The Pharisees were the conservatives and the Sadducees were the liberals. Sadducees did not believe in the immortality of the soul, or a future resurrection of the body, or in heaven or hell, or in demons or angels. They denied all elements of the supernatural. The Pharisees, however, were the supernaturalists, so Paul appeals to them. Paul merely stated he was on trial because he did believe in the resurrection of the dead, not just of Israel but also of the Lord Jesus Christ. For Paul, the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of all Old Testament and New Testament believers was intimately connected. “For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (I Cor. 15:16, 17). TWO VIEWS OF PAUL'S RESURRECTION DECLARATION Some like Robertson see Paul's declaration here as a strategic spiritual move - Perceiving (second aorist ingressive of ginōskō). Paul quickly saw that his cause was ruined before the Sanhedrin by his unwitting attack on the high priest. It was impossible to get a fair hearing. Hence,
Atos 23
Phillips - “God delights to work behind the scenes. A storm of rain perhaps, a delay in a traffic jam, or a seemingly chance meeting and, often unknown to us, some danger has been averted or some change of direction has been wrought in our lives. Omnipotence has His agents everywhere.” (Exploring Acts) ILLUSTRATION - Paderewski, the famous concert pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was an all-out black tux-long-evening-dress kind of night. In the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine year old son. Weary of waiting for the concert to begin, the lad squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother hoped her boy would be encouraged to practice the piano once he heard the immortal Paderewski. That is why, against his wishes, he was there. When his mother turned to talk to some friends, the impatient boy could stay seated no longer. He slipped away from her side and was drawn to the ebony concert grand Steinway and its leather stool on the huge stage flooded with lights. Largely ignored by the sophisticated audience, the boy sat down at the stool, stared wide eyed at the black and white keys. He places his small trembling fingers on the right location and began to play “chopsticks.” The roar of the crowd quickly ceased as hundreds of frowning faces turned on him. Irritated and embarrassed, they began to shout at the boy. Backstage the master, overhearing the sounds, quickly put on his coat and rushed to the stage. Paderewski came behind the boy and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance “Chopsticks .” As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy’s ears, “Keep going. Do not quit, son. Keep on playing. Do not stop. Do not quit!” Maybe we feel like that young man that our best service for the Lord is more like “Chopsticks.” Look up because the Master will come alongside of us and encourage us and make our ministry a miracle! The message of Christ is not only to Paul, but to His followers! (Jack Andrews) Acts 23:23 And he called to him two of the centurions and said, "Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen." KJV 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; NET Acts 23:23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, "Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea along with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen by nine o'clock tonight, GNT Acts 23:23 Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος δύο [τινὰς] τῶν ἑκατονταρχῶν εἶπεν, Ἑτοιμάσατε στρατιώτας διακοσίους, ὅπως πορευθῶσιν ἕως Καισαρείας, καὶ ἱππεῖς ἑβδομήκοντα καὶ δεξιολάβους διακοσίους ἀπὸ τρίτης ὥρας τῆς νυκτός, NLT Acts 23:23 Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. ESV Acts 23:23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, "Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. CSB Acts 23:23 He summoned two of his centurions and said, "Get 200 soldiers ready with 70 cavalry and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. NIV Acts 23:23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. NAB Acts 23:23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, "Get two hundred soldiers ready to go to Caesarea by nine o'clock tonight, along with seventy horsemen and two hundred auxiliaries. NKJ Acts 23:23 And he called for two centurions, saying, "Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; NJB Acts 23:23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, 'Get two hundred soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea by the third hour of the night with seventy cavalry and two hundred auxiliaries; GWN Acts 23:23 Then the officer summoned two of his sergeants and told them, "I want 200 infantrymen, 70 soldiers on horseback, and 200 soldiers with spears. Have them ready to go to Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight. NRS Acts 23:23 Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, "Get ready to leave by nine o'clock tonight for Caesarea with two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen. YLT Acts 23:23 and having called near a certain two of the centurions, he said, 'Make ready soldiers two hundred, that they may go on unto Caesarea, and horsemen seventy, and spearmen two hundred, from the third hour of the night; two of the centurions Mt 14:25; Luke 12:38 Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE GREAT ESCAPE! Pagan Romans are "enlisted" by God's sovereign providential hand to ensure Paul's escape. Jesus had promised Paul safe passage and would ensure he had a ticket to Rome. And he called to him two of the centurions and said - The regimented Romans now take recourse to prevent a disaster. The commander knew he would be held accountable for Paul, as a Roman citizen and if Paul were assassinated, the commander himself would be punished. Therefore, he did not waste any time. "Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen - Why Caesarea? The seat of Roman government was not in Jerusalem but in Caesarea. Gilbrant - Caesarea was built by Herod the Great on the coast about 30 miles north of Joppa. Herod also constructed a 200-foot-wide causeway of huge stones in water 60 feet deep in order to enclose an artificial harbor that was unusually large for that day. The Roman procurators or governors made this city their chief residence. Archaeologists have found the name of Pilate inscribed on one of the stones. (Complete Biblical Library – Acts) Caesarea mentioned 17x in NT - Matt. 16:13; Mk. 8:27; Acts 8:40; Acts 9:30; Acts 10:1; Acts 10:24; Acts 11:11; Acts 12:19; Acts 18:22; Acts 21:8; Acts 21:16; Acts 23:23; Acts 23:33; Acts 25:1; Acts 25:4; Acts 25:6; Acts 25:13 Jack Andrews - Caesarea was a fairly new city. It was built just two decades before the birth of the Lord Jesus. At this time the city would have been around 70 to 80 years old. The city was 60 to 65 miles Northwest of Jerusalem. Caesarea became the Headquarters for Roman governors of the region of Judea. The city was a port city on the coast of Israel. Herod the Great spared no expense in the construction of a magnificent artificial harbor that protected the ships that sailed from incoming storms. A massive aqueduct also ran down from Mt. Carmel 20 miles that brought fresh water to the city. Caesarea would be where we are introduced to the residing governor of Judea Marcus Antonius Felix.(Ibid) The third hour - This would have been 9 PM when it was presumably completely dark for the greater secrecy, and to elude the cunning, active malice of the Jews. Paul would be escorted by 470 trained Roman soldiers, all with one goal of ensuring save passage for one little Jewish man. Jack Arnold - The Romans called out 470 soldiers to protect Paul and bring him to Felix in Caesarea. That was a small army and no band of 40 Jewish zealots would attack a force like that. Who raised this army of soldiers--Claudius Lysias or God? It was God using Claudius Lysias. The most amazing thing is the way Claudius Lysias believed and received the report of the young lad and acted immediately. He could have brushed the report aside but he did not. This whole thing seems like an accident but there are no accidents with God. Why do men buck so hard at divine providence? They do not want to believe God controls everything because man seems to be a puppet, or they cannot reconcile God's love with a plan which includes suffering and sickness. Men think this is unfair according to their own standard of reasoning. But what are our choices? There are just two. Either everything happens by accident and man is left to pure chance and fate, or things are planned by God and all things are working out for God's own glory, for the good of God's elect and for the return of God's Son, Jesus Christ. To know that God has a plan and is carrying out this plan brings confidence, assurance and boldness to the Christian, for he senses he is a man of destiny. Let's face it, it is God's providence which change the course of history. When the Spanish Armada sailed to fight the English, there was no human way the English could win this naval battle. Yet, God providentially saw to it that a terrible storm arose which would destroy much of the Spanish fleet. The English then defeated the Spanish, and Protestantism rather than Roman Catholicism would rule in England. That event has affected you and me today. God also prepared Paul by having Claudius Lysias write a letter of acquittal, freeing Paul of any serious charges. This simple letter prepared the way for Paul to appear before the Roman governor Felix. This again shows the sovereign hand of God who works through non-Christians to accomplish His own will without them even being aware that they are being used in any way. God simply works through the normal reactions and feelings of the persons involved. Is divine providence (predestination) the same as fatalism? No! Fatalism says what will be will be and nothing can change it; that is, God or Fate has a cold calculating plan and no matter what man does it cannot be changed. Predestination and divine providence, however, state that God has a plan that shall be carried out but behind that plan is an all wise, sovereign and loving God who is using means to accomplish His ends. While God is the First Cause, He also uses second causes such as prayer, responsibility, decisions, witnessing, etc., and these second causes are just as vital to the plan of God as the primary cause. Jack Andrews - The passengers on the train were uneasy as they sped along through the dark, stormy night. The lightening was flashing, the black clouds were rolling, and the train was traveling fast. The fear and tension among the passengers was evident. One little boy, however, was sitting all by himself and seemed unaware of the storm and the speed of the train. He was amusing himself with a few toys. One of the passengers spoke to him. “Son, I see you are all alone on the train. Aren’t you afraid to travel alone on such a stormy night?” The little boy looked up with a smile and said, “No ma’am, I ain’t afraid. My daddy’s the engineer.” The Lord Jesus had appeared to Paul and spoke to Paul words of comfort and surety. The Lord told Paul to take courage because just as sure as he had testified of the Lord in Jerusalem, so too he must testify in Rome also. God had given Paul His promise, plan, and providence! God was working things out for His glory in the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. God would take care of His servant and see to it that he came to Rome safely. In the song “Thou O Lord” are these words that remind us of God’s protection and care for us: Many are they increase that trouble; many are they that rise up against me. Many be there that say of my soul—there is no help for him in God. But thou O Lord are a shield for me—my glory and the lifter of my head. Thou O Lord—are a shield for me— my glory and the lifter of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice and He heard me out of His holy hill. I lay me down and slept and awaked for the Lord sustained me. For thou O Lord are a shield for me—my glory and the lifter of my head. Thou O Lord are a shield for me— my glory and the lifter of my head! Paul found out by living for Jesus, serving Jesus, obeying Jesus that the Lord is a shield for His soldiers. Those who know the Lord, serve the Lord, follow the Lord will have the Divine protection of the Lord! Until God is finished with us and calls us home any and all enemies cannot overcome and destroy God’s people! David Jeremiah wrote, “Though moment by moment Paul seems to be on the edge of jeopardy, he is really never in danger—nor are we—because of the faithfulness of God. Wherever God is, is the safest place in the world to be.” Luke declared the work of God in protecting His servant by using the Roman’s to deliver him from the murderous plots of the Jews. God works on behalf of His people to insure their work and witness brings glory to His name. I want to challenge the people of God to trust God in and through any and all difficult times—knowing that God works all things out for His glory! Are you trusting God in the midst of adversity? Do you rely on God to work and to shield you from the attacks of the enemy? This passage gives some insights into the working of God in the protecting of His servant. (Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding Acts - Volume 6) GOD'S UNEXPECTED WAYS God works in unexpected and amusing ways. God could have used any one of an infinite number of methods to get Paul to Caesarea, but he chose to use the Roman army (23:23-24). God's ways are not our ways. Ours are limited; his are not. Don't limit God by asking him to do things your way. When God intervenes, anything can happen, so much more and so much better than you could ever anticipate. Let God amaze you with his limitless power and his creative plans. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) Acts 23:24 They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. KJV Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. GNT Acts 23:24 κτήνη τε παραστῆσαι ἵνα ἐπιβιβάσαντες τὸν Παῦλον διασώσωσι πρὸς Φήλικα τὸν ἡγεμόνα, NLT Acts 23:24 Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix." ESV Acts 23:24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor." CSB Acts 23:24 Also provide mounts so they can put Paul on them and bring him safely to Felix the governor." NIV Acts 23:24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix." NAB Acts 23:24 Provide mounts for Paul to ride and give him safe conduct to Felix the governor." NKJ Acts 23:24 "and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor." NJB Acts 23:24 provide horses for Paul, and deliver him unharmed to Felix the governor.' GWN Acts 23:24 Provide an animal for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Governor Felix." NRS Acts 23:24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Felix the governor." YLT Acts 23:24 beasts also provide, that, having set Paul on, they may bring him safe unto Felix the governor;' They were also to provide mounts Nehemiah 2:12; Esther 8:12; Luke 10:34 Felix Acts 23:26,33-35; 24:3,10,22-27; 25:14 the governor Mt 27:2; Luke 3:1 Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL RIDES OFF AFTER THE SUN SETS They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor - The idea was not just security (470 soldiers) but speed. The Romans provide a horse for Paul to ride to Caesarea. "Ahead of him, before he even came to Rome, lay two years of confinement in Caesarea. And after he arrived at Rome he was a prisoner there at least another three years....But ahead there are two lonely years of waiting in Caesarea, during which nothing is recorded of his ministry. I am sure he had a ministry during that time, but there is no account of it in the Scriptures. " (Stedman) Andrews on Felix - History tells us that Marcus Antonius Felix was not a good man. Felix was appointed as governor of the province of Judea in 52 A.D and there he reigned for seven years. He owed his high standing in the Roman government of his brother Pallas who had great influence during the reign if the Roman Emperor Claudius. Felix was a cruel man who reigned with an iron fist. (Ibid) According to Tacitus in “the Histories” volume V we learn: “Antonius Felix indulging in every kind of barbarity and lust, exercised the power of a king in the spirit of a slave.” A T