King James Version

What Does Acts 23:30 Mean?

Acts 23:30 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 23:30 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

31

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

32

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lysias writes when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, using enedras (ἐνέδρας, ambush)—military terminology for hostile intent. His phrase I sent straightway to thee (Greek exautes, ἐξαυτῆς, immediately) shows decisive action protecting Roman justice. The closing Farewell (erroso, ἔρρωσο) was standard Latin correspondence formula (vale), meaning 'be strong/healthy.' Lysias transfers responsibility to Felix while establishing Paul's protected status as a Roman citizen accused of religious, not criminal, violations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Caesarea served as the Roman provincial capital where the procurator (Felix) maintained headquarters. The 60-mile transfer protected Paul from Jerusalem's volatile politics while ensuring proper adjudication under Roman law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God orchestrate circumstances to move His purposes forward through secular authorities?
  2. What does Paul's transfer teach about God's faithfulness to His promise (Acts 23:11) that Paul would witness in Rome?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
μηνυθείσης1 of 27

when it was told

G3377

to disclose (through the idea of mental effort and thus calling to mind), i.e., report, declare, intimate

δέ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

μοι3 of 27

me

G3427

to me

ἐπιβουλῆς4 of 27

laid wait

G1917

a plan against someone, i.e., a plot

εἰς5 of 27

for

G1519

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

τὸν6 of 27
G3588

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

ἄνδρα7 of 27

the man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

μελλείν8 of 27
G3195

to 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

ἔσεσθαι9 of 27
G2071

will be

ὑπὸ10 of 27

how that

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 (

τῶν11 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων,12 of 27

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐξαυτῆς13 of 27

straightway

G1824

from that hour, i.e., instantly

ἔπεμψα14 of 27

I sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

πρὸς15 of 27

to

G4314

a 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,

σέ16 of 27

thee

G4571

thee

παραγγείλας17 of 27

and gave commandment

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

καὶ18 of 27

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῖς19 of 27
G3588

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

κατηγόροις20 of 27

to his accusers

G2725

against one in the assembly, i.e., a complainant at law; specially, satan

λέγειν21 of 27

to say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τὰ22 of 27
G3588

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

πρὸς23 of 27

to

G4314

a 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,

αὐτὸν24 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

ἐπὶ25 of 27

before

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

σοῦ26 of 27

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

Ἔῤῥωσο27 of 27

Farewell

G4517

probably akin to g4506); to strengthen, i.e., (impersonal passive) have health (as a parting exclamation, good-bye)


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 23:30 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 23:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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