Atos 23
Ray Stedman · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 23
Stedman - I do not think that this attempt to divert the subject was a deliberate trick by the apostle. It was not some cunning stratagem that he employed to get himself off the hook by dividing the assembly. He didn't premeditate it or know what the results would be. He simply realized that he was in deeper than he intended and saw that his cause was lost. So, hoping for some support by the Pharisees, he cried out this way, identifying himself with them. They were the party which represented at least some adherence to the letter and teaching of the Law. The Sadducees were what today we would call modernists, liberals. They denied the supernatural. They refused to recognize the existence of angels or spirits, and certainly not the resurrection from the dead, while the Pharisees were more fundamental in their understanding, recognizing that these things were realities. So they were ready to defend Paul on the ground that, in his conversion, it may have been that a spirit spoke to him, or an angel. They were not ready to acknowledge that it was indeed the Lord Jesus, but they were at least willing to take his part and contend that perhaps something supernatural had occurred. Paul is simply trying his best, using his wits to get out of this circumstance as best he can. But when the flesh is in control, things always work out wrongly. We try to take advantage of the situation as we see it. But we always get deeper and deeper into trouble. Paul succeeds only in polarizing the council so that his hopes for a testimony before the leaders of the nation fly out the window. He finds himself in the midst of another screaming squabble of Jews. They are yelling theological arguments at one another and threatening to tear Paul apart as they literally pull and tug at him like a bone of contention between these two quarreling parties. (Love that Never Let's Go) Chuck Smith - PAUL'S DAY OF DEFEAT. He had a burning desire to preach Christ in Jerusalem. Soon after his conversion he came to Jerusalem, and the Lord told him to get out, for they would not receive his testimony.. Paul argued with the Lord. If you ever find yourself arguing with the Lord, you're wrong. Have you ever thought the Lord was making a mistake? His great moment had finally come. He stood on the steps of the Antonio fortress. The crowd listened intently as he recounted his conversion. They, however, did not let him finish his message, but began to riot. He had finally appeared before the Sanhedrin. Which also ended with a near riot. He started off bad, and things just got worse. He began saying, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." At this point, the High Priest ordered the fellow standing by Paul to hit him in the mouth. Paul said to him, "God will hit you, you whitewashed wall." Paul then cried, "I am a Pharisee, and of the hope of the resurrection I am called in question." Some accuse Paul of cleverly dividing his foes. Perhaps so. I feel he wanted to preach the resurrection of Jesus to them. He had to be taken into protective custody once again. Paul's lifelong desire and dream ended in total disaster. PAUL'S NIGHT OF DISCOURAGEMENT. Trip to Jerusalem seemed total waste. His reception by church less than enthusiastic. No mention of any thanks for the gift he brought. When Peter was in prison, the church prayed (no prayer meetings with Paul...). The church through compromise had learned to live comfortably with the world, Peaceful coexistence. They begged Paul not to disturb this. They called on him to compromise also. His reception by the Jews was even worse. He no doubt was re-living his blunders. Why did I mention Gentiles to the crowd? Why did I lose my cool and call the High Priest - White-washed wall? Many people sink in the cess pool of the question WHY? Many spend weary nights trying to re-live the day. If I had only said, that if and why. PAUL'S NIGHT OF VICTORY. Suddenly in that prison, Jesus was standing by him. First words, "Be of good cheer." Same Greek phrase translated, "of good courage." Signified he was discouraged or despondent. How quickly the awareness of the presence of Jesus can dispel our fears, sorrows. Jesus had no words of condemnation. He didn't say, "Paul, why did you blow it?" Paul was being harder on himself than the Lord. This is often the case. We are condemning ourselves. "Who is he that condemneth?" We often imagine the Lord condemning us. He commended him, "As you have testified of me in Jerusalem." Matters not that they rejected. Matters not that they rioted. He sets before him a new commission, "So must you also bear witness in Rome".Desire of heart to be fulfilled, Acts 19:21.. Matters not that 40 men have vowed to kill you. Acts 23:10 And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. KJV Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. NET Acts 23:10 When the argument became so great the commanding officer feared that they would tear Paul to pieces, he ordered the detachment to go down, take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. GNT Acts 23:10 Πολλῆς δὲ γινομένης στάσεως φοβηθεὶς ὁ χιλίαρχος μὴ διασπασθῇ ὁ Παῦλος ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἐκέλευσεν τὸ στράτευμα καταβὰν ἁρπάσαι αὐτὸν ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν ἄγειν τε εἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν. NLT Acts 23:10 As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress. KJV Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. ESV Acts 23:10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. CSB Acts 23:10 When the dispute became violent, the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart by them and ordered the troops to go down, rescue him from them, and bring him into the barracks. NIV Acts 23:10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. NAB Acts 23:10 The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue him from their midst and take him into the compound. NKJ Acts 23:10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. NJB Acts 23:10 Feeling was running high, and the tribune, afraid that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered his troops to go down and haul him out and bring him into the fortress. GWN Acts 23:10 The quarrel was becoming violent, and the officer was afraid that they would tear Paul to pieces. So the officer ordered his soldiers to drag Paul back to the barracks. NRS Acts 23:10 When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks. YLT Acts 23:10 and a great dissension having come, the chief captain having been afraid lest Paul may be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiery, having gone down, to take him by force out of the midst of them, and to bring him to the castle. the commander was afraid Acts 23:27; 19:28-31; 21:30-36; Ps 7:2; 50:22; Micah 3:3; James 1:19; 3:14-18; James 4:1,2 ordered the troops to go down and take him away Acts 22:24 Video of Paul before the Sanhedrin Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PROVIDENTIAL INTERVENTION BY PAGAN COMMANDER And as a great dissension was developing - Literally, "dissension becoming much." For dissension see stasis above. Things were going from bad to worse fast and on the verge of becoming physically violent. The commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them - This is amazing! These Jews are so incensed that they are seemingly oblivious to the Roman commander who had legal jurisdiction over them and who would be held responsible for any riot that might occur on his watch. Jack Andrews writes "The commander was over 1000 soldiers and he knew what it was to be in dangerous situations. He knew what it was like to lead his men and do battle. He was there watching and listening to the proceedings because he had a vested interest in this trial. He was seeking to get to the bottom of all the trouble. He watched as the temper’s flared, the debate escalated, the assembly divided, and dissension ensued. He watched as Paul was right in the middle of it all. Luke tells us that when it reached a danger point—it was a red alert level that the commander feared that Paul would suffer immediate physical damage. (Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding Acts - Volume 6) David Jeremiah said, “Paul was like the ‘wishbone’ from a turkey at Thanksgiving—being pulled in two different directions by the opposing parties.” Torn (1288)(diaspao from dia = separation + spao = to draw) to pull apart or asunder, tear to pieces. Describes demon possessed man breaking chains (Mk 5:4). Figuratively of God tearing off bonds from Judah (Jer 2:20). Diaspao is used only twice in the NT (Mk 5:4, Acts 23:10) but 12 times in the Septuagint - Jdg. 14:6; Jdg. 16:9; Jdg. 16:12; Job 19:10; Isa. 58:6; Jer. 2:20; Jer. 4:20; Jer. 10:20; Hos. 13:8; Gilbrant - In classical Greek literature diaspaō means to “tear apart, tear down.” In one military context the word referred to an army that was scattered and in disorder. In the Septuagint diaspaō occurs 11 times. The lion that attacked Samson on his way to Timnah (the lion later became the object of his riddle) was “torn apart” by Samson’s bare hands (Judges 14:6). It also describes the ease with which Samson broke the thongs with which Delilah had tied him (Judges 16:9). Mark, the only Gospel writer to use diaspaō, dramatically depicted the Gadarene demoniac’s strength (an aspect which Luke and Matthew neglect). Mark stated that the demoniac had been bound with chains and fetters many times, but he “broke” them (Mark 5:4). Diaspaō occurs only one other time, in Acts. Because Paul had created such an uproar, the commander of the Roman troops in Jerusalem was afraid Paul would be “torn apart” by the furious crowd (NIV, “torn to pieces”). He wisely elected to place Paul under protective custody until he could be safely transported to Felix (Acts 23:10). The early Christian writer Clement harshly condemned the divisions, splits, schisms, and differences within the church which, in his words, were “tearing apart” the body of Christ (1 Clement 46:7). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) And ordered (keleuo) the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks - This is the third time the puzzled Roman commander is forced to rescue Paul! One can only imagine how baffled Claudius Lysias must have been by now. Every time this little Jewish man opens his mouth, it precipitates an emotional explosion from his audience! The Roman commander convened the meeting and he put an end to the meeting! Troops (4753)(strateuma from strateuomai = to perform military duty) refers to an army (Rev 19:14, 19), a smaller detachment (Acts 23:10, 27) or the troops (Mt 22:7; Lk 23:11; Rev 9:16) In Lk 23:11 in the plural signifying troops, guards, bodyguard. Liddell-Scott - an expedition, campaign, Hdt., Att. II. an armament, army, Hdt., Att.:-also a naval armament, Soph Gilbrant says strateuma "denotes an army, a detachment of soldiers, or a troop (Bauer). Even though the military forces represented a heathen, often oppressive, ruling nation, the New Testament Church did not view them as their enemies as did the Jews. The New Testament writers even viewed them with some admiration, often referring to them as examples of unconditional obedience (Matthew 8:5-13) and discipline (2 Timothy 2:4). They are depicted as extensions and executors of governmental authority (Acts 23:10,27). Although they were participants in the crucifixion of Jesus, they were not described in ways to imply their personal guilt; rather, they were simply servants of the state in carrying out the government’s directive. At worst, they are depicted as ignorant and uncaring bystanders making sport of the tragedy, unaware of the miscarriage of justice or the sacredness of the occasion. (See Matthew 27:27ff.; Mark 15:16ff.; Luke 23:36f.; John 19:2ff.) (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Strateuma - 7x - armies(4), army(1), soldiers(1), troops(2). Matt. 22:7; Lk. 23:11; Acts 23:10; Acts 23:27; Rev. 9:16; Rev. 19:14; Rev. 19:19
Atos 23
Stedman - This certainly underscores the hopelessness of Paul's attempt to witness to these Jews. They are not only unwilling to listen, they are intent upon killing him. So they concoct a plot by which they can get Paul away from the protection of the Roman guardhouse and down into the streets of Jerusalem on his way to the high priest's palace. There, in the narrow, tortuous alleyways of that old city, they have a band of forty men who have vowed never to eat or drink until they have overpowered his guards and put him to death. It looks as if the plot might work. (Love that Never Lets Go)
Atos 23
Stedman - When the plot was laid God relied upon Paul's relative, his nephew, to help him. If you will permit a very bad pun, he was "relatively" safe. Longenecker - The seriousness with which the commander took the warning about the plot shows that he knew Ananias was the kind of man to fall in with it and realized that Jewish feeling against Paul was strong enough to nurture such a plot. (Ibid)
Atos 23
Stedman - Now notice the preparation for Paul's appearance before the governor, again part of the protection of the Lord, which is provided by the letter that the tribune wrote. A T
Atos 23
Stedman adds "It is obvious that this tribune wrote a letter that would make himself look as good as possible in the eyes of the governor. He handles the truth rather loosely. He implies that he rescued Paul because he learned that he was a Roman citizen. This would certainly look good on his record. But actually, as we know, he rescued him because he was in danger, and then learned that he was a citizen just before he was about to beat and scourge him unlawfully. But he did not put that detail in. This is a politician's letter." (Sermon) Arrested (4815)(sullambano from sun/syn = together with + lambáno = to take, to seize) means literally to seize or take together and conveys the picture of clasping, seizing or capturing. Sullambano has several meanings depending on the context, the most common meaning being to arrest someone (7/16 uses) or take them into custody. To apprehend someone by virtue of a warrant from authority. All uses of sullambano - Matt. 26:55; Mk. 14:48; Lk. 1:24; Lk. 1:31; Lk. 1:36; Lk. 2:21; Lk. 5:7; Lk. 5:9; Lk. 22:54; Jn. 18:12; Acts 1:16; Acts 12:3; Acts 23:27; Acts 26:21; Phil. 4:3; Jas. 1:15 To be slain (337)(anaireo from ana = up + haireo = to take) literally means to take up or lift up (from the ground), which is used literally to describe Pharaoh's daughter when she "took him (Moses) away and nurtured him as her own son." (Acts 7:21). Most of the uses of anaireo are used in an active sense to refer to literal killing or putting to death (Acts 23:15; Acts 23:21; Acts 23:27). BDAG has "to get rid of by execution, do away with, destroy, of pers. someone, mostly of killing by violence, in battle, by execution, murder, or assassination." Uses of anaireo in Acts - Acts 2:23; Acts 5:33; Acts 5:36; Acts 7:21; Acts 7:28; Acts 9:23; Acts 9:24; Acts 9:29; Acts 10:39; Acts 12:2; Acts 13:28; Acts 16:27; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:21; Acts 23:27; Acts 25:3; Acts 26:10 Rescued (delivered) (1807)(exaireo from ek = out + aireo = to take, remove, seize) literally means to take out. In the middle voice (as in this verse) means to take out for oneself and hence to rescue or deliver from a perilous circumstance, setting them free. This is the verb Paul uses in Galatians 1:4+ to describe every believer's great rescue/deliverance by the Great Deliverer "Who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father." Having learned (3129)(manthano related to the noun mathetes = disciple, a learner) has the basic meaning of directing one’s mind to something and producing an external effect. Luke's only use of this verb in Gospels or Acts.
Atos 23
Stedman notes that this letter is "also virtually a letter of acquittal for any serious charge against the apostle. The garrison commander goes on record in black and white that as far as he can determine Paul has done nothing that is worthy of death or even imprisonment. And so he prepares the way for Paul to appear before the governor, laying the groundwork for careful handling of his case. This is evidence of that marvelous, amazing hand of God, which can work through non-Christians, non-believers, anyone, to accomplish his will and purpose without their even being aware that they are being used in any way. He simply works through the normal reactions and feelings of the persons involved.:" (Sermon) Barton - Notice, too, that Claudius is another prosecutor of the messengers of the gospel who completely exonerated Paul, a theme Luke wanted to bring out in his record. Gallo, the mayor of Ephesus, had done so (Acts 18:14-15); the Pharisees before Felix could not make the case against Paul (Acts 23:9); Festus and Agrippa in the chapters ahead would find Paul innocent as well (Acs 26:31-32) (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) Questions (2213)(zetema from zeteo = to seek) refers to something sought, questioned or inquired about, especially controversial questions. In the NT only in Acts and is used for a controversial issue such as the “question” of whether circumcision was necessary to salvation (Acts 15:1,2), questions about the Law (Acts 23:29), and questions with respect to whether or not Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 25:19). Acts 23:30 "When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you." KJV 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. NET Acts 23:30 When I was informed there would be a plot against this man, I sent him to you at once, also ordering his accusers to state their charges against him before you. GNT Acts 23:30 μηνυθείσης δέ μοι ἐπιβουλῆς εἰς τὸν ἄνδρα ἔσεσθαι ἐξαυτῆς ἔπεμψα πρὸς σὲ παραγγείλας καὶ τοῖς κατηγόροις λέγειν [τὰ] πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐπὶ σοῦ. NLT Acts 23:30 But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you." KJV 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. ESV Acts 23:30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him." CSB Acts 23:30 When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you right away. I also ordered his accusers to state their case against him in your presence. NIV Acts 23:30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. NAB Acts 23:30 Since it was brought to my attention that there will be a plot against the man, I am sending him to you at once, and have also notified his accusers to state (their case) against him before you." NKJ Acts 23:30 And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. NJB Acts 23:30 Acting on information that there was a conspiracy against the man, I hasten to send him to you, and have notified his accusers that they must state their case against him in your presence.' GWN Acts 23:30 Since I was informed that there was a plot against this man, I immediately sent him to you. I have also ordered his accusers to state their case against him in front of you. NRS Acts 23:30 When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him. " YLT Acts 23:30 and a plot having been intimated to me against this man -- about to be of the Jews -- at once I sent unto thee, having given command also to the accusers to say the things against him before thee; be strong.' When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man Acts 24:7,8; 25:5,6 Farewell (Only in the KJV - Textus Receptus) - Acts 15:29; 2 Cor 13:11 Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man - "It being revealed to me." Informed (3377)(menuo) means to make known, reveal (Lk 20:37), to report (Jn 11:57) or to inform (1 Cor 10:28, Acts 23:30). BDAG says the idea is " to offer information presumed to be of special interest." Liddell-Scott adds "to disclose what is secret, reveal, betray, generally, to make known, declare, indicate. At Athens to inform, lay public information against another. In the passive voice also of persons, to be informed against, to be denounced. " Gilbrant - Mēnuō is related to the noun mēnuma meaning “information, indication.” In pre-Bible usage the verb mēnuō is used to “report” runaway slaves, “report” military requisitions or secrets, and “report” items important to a king. It can also mean the “revealing” of information that is secret or within a person (cf. Liddell-Scott). The word also appears in the Septuagint, Josephus, and Philo. Mēnuō occurs only in the Maccabean writings of the Septuagint. “To inform” is the basic sense (2 Maccabees 3:7), but it can have strong negative overtones (2 Maccabees 6:11, “betrayed”; 14:37, “denounced”). Mēnuō occurs four times in the New Testament. In Luke 20:37 it refers to the “showing, appearing, revealing” of God in the burning bush to Moses. In John 11:57 the Pharisees and chief priests commanded that anyone who knew where Jesus was should “show” Him to them. In Acts 23:30 a plot against Paul was “reported” or “revealed” to him. And in 1 Corinthians 10:28 the emphasis is upon a sacrifice that is “declared” or “made known.” In each of the above occurrences the knowledge has a value that is desired or striven for. The action is not merely knowing as in ginōskō (1091), but the acquisition or declaration of something valued, desired, or striven for. Menuo - informed(2), report(1), showed(1). Lk. 20:37; Jn. 11:57; Acts 23:30; 1 Co. 10:28 Plot (1917)(epiboule from epi = against + boule = design, purpose) means a scheme, plot or conspiracy. Louw-Nida = "a plan for treacherous activity against someone." BDAG = "a secret plan to do something evil or cause harm." Epiboule - Acts 9:24; Acts 20:3; Acts 20:19; Acts 23:30 I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you." - "the things against him." "grievances," or "charges," Instructing (3853)(paraggello from para = beside + aggelos = messenger) means to hand on or pass on an announcement from one to another who is at one's side, such as to what must be done, usually with the idea of a command or charge as with a military command which demanded that the subordinate obey the order from the superior and required unhesitating and unqualified obedience. (cp Lk 5:14, 8:29, Lk 9:21KJV, Acts 1:4, 4:18; 5:28KJV; Acts 15:5KJV; 1Th 4:11). It is like a mandate (an authoritative command) or a call to obedience from one in authority. Accusers (2725)(kategoros from kata = against + agoreuo = to speak) describes one who spoke openly against another, to charge with some fault, offence, crime, etc. Only use in Septuagint in Pr 18:17. Gilbrant - From the time of Sophocles and Herodotus (Fifth Century B.C.), Greek writings contain this noun to refer to an “accuser” or “betrayer.” The Septuagint translation of Proverbs 18:17 uses the term of the righteous man who “accuses” himself at the outset of his defense, but later his adversary is reproved. While this is the literal reading of the verse, it is possible that it speaks of a person who considers himself righteous at the outset, but later testimony proves otherwise. The only occurrences of katēgoros in the New Testament are in the Book of Acts and in Johanine writings (LATTER ONLY IN TEXTUS RECEPTUS). Luke used this word several times to identify the various “accusers” of Paul: Lysias, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 23:30,35; 24:8; 25:16,18). In John 8:9KJV Jesus asked the woman caught in adultery (by men who abandoned her after “being convicted by their own conscience”), “Woman, where are those thine accusers?” (John 8:10). In a manner reminiscent of Job (Job 1:9-11) and Zechariah (Zech 3:1), John recorded the voice from heaven that called Satan the “accuser (NAS has "kategor"; KJV - verb kategoreo) of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10KJV). Kategoros - Acts 23:30; Acts 23:35; Acts 24:8; Acts 25:16; Acts 25:18
Atos 23
Stedman notes that "There were two kinds of provinces in the Roman Empire: There were those under the control of the Roman senate, and those which reported to the emperor (See map from 117 AD of these two types of provinces - note Cilicia just above the island of Cyprus) -- the imperial provinces. He learns that Paul is from Cilicia which, like Judea, is an imperial province under the direct control of the emperor himself, responsible to him. And so the steps are being laid, as God is operating behind the scenes to pave the way, for bringing Paul and the emperor, Nero, face to face. God is going to accomplish it his way." These are his wheels within wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21) by which he manipulates human history. It might not look as if God were involved at all, and yet all these incidents are occurring at his command, accomplishing his purposes. The striking thing from this part of the story is that God has no trouble handling history. That is no problem. He can work out his will through human events without any difficulty whatsoever. Even stubborn, obstinate, resistant, rebellious people can be used by God to bring people to where he wants them and to do what he wants done. But what gives him grief and heartache is when his own people resist his will and stubbornly determine to have something which God has said it is not time for yet. They are the ones who halt and limit the program of God. As long as the hearts of his people are right, before him, he has no difficulty. It is only when, because of an overwhelming desire for our own way, we step out of his purposes that we find ourselves in conflict with the movement of history and, like the apostle, suffer hurt and limitation as a result. And, you know, since I have been studying this through, I have to tell you that every day I must say to myself, "Look, Stedman, you can fall, too. You can miss God's will. You can get so intent on something that you think is right, and press and push for it so hard, that you too can miss the will of God." My heart's cry is that God will keep me from that. And I hope that you are praying that way, too. Be alert, be sensitive to the warning of the Holy Spirit, so that you may always walk in his purposes. (Acts 22:30-23:35 Love That Never Lets Go) Acts 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also," giving orders for him to be kept in Herod's Praetorium. KJV Acts 23:35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. NET Acts 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive too." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace. GNT Acts 23:35 Διακούσομαί σου, ἔφη, ὅταν καὶ οἱ κατήγοροί σου παραγένωνται· κελεύσας ἐν τῷ πραιτωρίῳ τοῦ Ἡρῴδου φυλάσσεσθαι αὐτόν. NLT Acts 23:35 "I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive," the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod's headquarters. ESV Acts 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium. CSB Acts 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing whenever your accusers get here too." And he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod's palace. NIV Acts 23:35 he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace. NAB Acts 23:35 he said, "I shall hear your case when your accusers arrive." Then he ordered that he be held in custody in Herod's praetorium. NKJ Acts 23:35 he said, "I will hear you when your accusers also have come." And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's Praetorium. NJB Acts 23:35 'I will hear your case as soon as your accusers are here too.' Then he ordered him to be held in Herod's praetorium. GWN Acts 23:35 he said, "I'll hear your case when your accusers arrive." Then the governor gave orders to keep Paul under guard in Herod's palace. NRS Acts 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." Then he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod's headquarters. YLT Acts 23:35 'I will hear thee -- said he -- when thine accusers also may have come;' he also commanded him to be kept in the praetorium of Herod. I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also Acts 23:30; 24:1,10,22,24-27; 25:16 giving orders for him to be kept in Mt 2:1,3,16 Herod's Praetorium Mt 27:27; John 18:28 Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Video of Paul before Felix Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries I WILL HEAR YOUR CASE I will give you a hearing after your accusers (kategoros also v30) arrive also - I will give you a hearing is the verb diakouo (only here in NT) and it was a legal technical term meaning to give someone an opportunity to be heard in court or to provide a legal hearing. Giving orders (keleuo) for him to be kept in Herod's Praetorium - The Praetorium was the lavish palace built by Herod the Great which served as the capitol building as well as the official residence of the Roman procurators. Andrews notes that "Paul went from the barracks in Jerusalem to the palace in Caesarea! God was working to take care of His faithful servant! God was a shield for His servant!" Kept (5442)(phulasso) means to watch, to carry out the function as a military guard or sentinel (cp Acts 23:35, 28:16), to keep watch, to have one's eye upon lest one escape, to guard a person that he might remain safe (from violence, from another person or thing, from being snatched away, from being lost). This verb indicates Paul was kept under guard meaning he was closely watched but not necessarily locked in a cell or chained to a soldier (because he had not been charged with any crime). Praetorium (governor's palace)(See diagram & model)(4232)(praitorion from Latin praetorium) refers to a detachment of soldiers serving as the palace guard. Praetorium was originally the praetor’s tent in camp, with its surroundings. Wikipedia on praetorium - The Latin term praetorium — or prœtorium or pretorium — originally signified a general's tent within a Roman castra, castellum, or encampment. It derived from the name of one of the chief Roman magistrates, the praetor. Praetor (Latin, "leader") was originally the title of the highest-ranking civil servant in the Roman Republic, but later became a position directly below the rank of consul. David Thompson - I have wondered what happened to the zealots who took the vow. Remember, they promised they would not eat or drink until Paul was dead. Well the next day they probably started to get hungry and thirsty and Paul was very much alive. This shows you the folly of religious zeal that is not of God. They change things as they go. Now what did Paul do that caused this mess? He preached grace salvation to a religious world that loves works. (Sermon) John