King James Version

What Does Acts 23:10 Mean?

Acts 23:10 in the King James Version says “And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them,... — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 23:10 · KJV


Context

8

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

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.

11

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

12

And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together , and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. under a curse: or, with an oath of execration


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The violence grew so intense that the chief captain feared Paul would be 'pulled in pieces' by the disputing parties. Roman military intervention again preserved Paul's life, demonstrating how God uses secular authority to protect His servants. The Greek 'diaspao' (torn asunder) suggests Paul faced literal dismemberment from the frenzied religious leaders.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Fortress Antonia's proximity to the temple courts allowed rapid Roman response to disturbances. The commander's repeated interventions showed Roman concern for maintaining order during volatile festival periods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God used unexpected sources to protect you from danger, even when danger came from religious people?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing God's sovereignty extends even over hostile authorities and circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Πολλῆς1 of 27

a great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

δὲ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

γενομένης3 of 27

when there arose

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

στάσεως4 of 27

dissension

G4714

a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy

εὐλαβηθεὶς5 of 27

fearing

G2125

to be circumspect, i.e., (by implication) to be apprehensive; religiously, to reverence

6 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χιλίαρχος7 of 27

the chief captain

G5506

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

μὴ8 of 27

lest

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

διασπασθῇ9 of 27

should have been pulled in pieces

G1288

to draw apart, i.e., sever or dismember

10 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος11 of 27

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ὑπ'12 of 27

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

αὐτῶν13 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκέλευσεν14 of 27

commanded

G2753

"hail"; to incite by word, i.e., order

τὸ15 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στράτευμα16 of 27

the soldiers

G4753

an armament, i.e., (by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic)

καταβὰν17 of 27

to go down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἁρπάσαι18 of 27

and to take

G726

to seize (in various applications)

αὐτῶν19 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκ20 of 27

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

μέσου21 of 27

among

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

αὐτῶν22 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἄγειν23 of 27

to bring

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

τε24 of 27

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

εἰς25 of 27

him into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν26 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρεμβολήν27 of 27

the castle

G3925

a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 23:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 23:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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