King James Version
What Does Acts 23:22 Mean?
“So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.”
Acts 23:22 · KJV
Context
20
And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
21
But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
22
So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
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;
24
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryClaudius Lysias charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me—the Greek medeni eklaleo (μηδενὶ ἐκλαλήσῃς) means 'tell absolutely no one.' This operational security protected both Paul and the rescue plan from compromise. The commander's swift, decisive action reveals Roman military efficiency and his growing conviction that Paul deserved protection. His confidential treatment of the informant shows administrative wisdom—premature disclosure would have doomed the rescue.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman military protocol emphasized secrecy in tactical operations. Lysias commanded 1,000 troops in Jerusalem's garrison and bore responsibility for civil order. His protective custody of Paul balanced Jewish appeasement with Roman justice.
Reflection Questions
- When does godly wisdom require confidentiality rather than immediate disclosure?
- How did God use a pagan commander's sense of justice to preserve Paul for gospel ministry?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 15 wordsμὲν2 of 15
“So”
G3303properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
χιλίαρχος4 of 15
“the chief captain”
G5506the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
ἀπέλυσεν5 of 15
“depart”
G630to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
πρός14 of 15
“to”
G4314a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
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 23:22 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 23:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge