King James Version
What Does Acts 23:27 Mean?
“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.”
Acts 23:27 · KJV
Context
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.
28
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
29
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryLysias's account distorts the sequence - he didn't rescue Paul knowing he was Roman but discovered his citizenship after the arrest (Acts 22:25-29). This face-saving revision shows how even God's instruments have mixed motives. Yet divine providence used Lysias's self-interested report to advance Paul's case, demonstrating how God accomplishes His purposes through flawed human actions.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman military officers faced severe penalties for mistreating citizens. Lysias's revision protected his career while accurately reporting the essential facts of Jewish plots and Paul's innocence of Roman crimes.
Reflection Questions
- How does God accomplish His purposes even through people's mixed or self-interested motives?
- What does this teach about trusting God's sovereignty rather than requiring perfect human instruments?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 22 wordsσυλληφθέντα4 of 22
“was taken”
G4815to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
ὑπ'5 of 22
“of”
G5259under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
καὶ8 of 22
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μέλλοντα9 of 22
“should”
G3195to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
ἀναιρεῖσθαι10 of 22
“have been killed”
G337to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder
ὑπ'11 of 22
“of”
G5259under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
αὐτὸν,12 of 22
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπιστὰς13 of 22
“then came I”
G2186to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
σὺν14 of 22
“with”
G4862with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
στρατεύματι16 of 22
“an army”
G4753an armament, i.e., (by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic)
ἐξειλόμην17 of 22
“and rescued”
G1807actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
αὐτὸν,18 of 22
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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 23:27 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 23:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge