King James Version

What Does Acts 23:25 Mean?

Acts 23:25 in the King James Version says “And he wrote a letter after this manner:” — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he wrote a letter after this manner:”

Acts 23:25 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

26

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

27

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he wrote a letter after this manner (Greek grapsas epistolen, γράψας ἐπιστολὴν) introduces Claudius Lysias' official correspondence to Felix. Luke's inclusion of this letter (vv. 26-30) provides rare documentary evidence within Acts' narrative. Roman military reports followed standardized formats—sender, recipient, greeting, body, closing. This administrative detail demonstrates Luke's historical precision and provides legal documentation of Paul's innocence from Roman perspective. The letter becomes part of Paul's judicial record supporting his appeals.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman officials communicated through formal letters (litterae) that accompanied prisoners transferred between jurisdictions. Such documents established legal continuity and protected officials from liability for improper procedures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does careful documentation and due process reflect God's character of justice?
  2. Why might Luke include such administrative details in his theological narrative?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
γράψας1 of 6

“And he wrote”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἐπιστολὴν2 of 6

“a letter”

G1992

a written message

περιέχουσαν3 of 6

“after”

G4023

to hold all around, i.e., include, clasp (figuratively)

τὸν4 of 6
G3588

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

τύπον5 of 6

“manner”

G5179

a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp

τοῦτον·6 of 6

“this”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

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 23:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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