King James Version
What Does Acts 23:31 Mean?
“Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.”
Acts 23:31 · KJV
Context
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:
33
Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe soldiers' rapid nighttime march - reaching Antipatris (about 40 miles) by morning - demonstrates Roman military efficiency and the urgency of protecting Paul. The Greek emphasizes they acted 'according to their orders,' showing disciplined obedience. God's providence used Roman military precision to spirit Paul away from danger during darkness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Antipatris, rebuilt by Herod the Great, served as a military way-station between Jerusalem and Caesarea. Reaching it by dawn required departing Jerusalem around 9 PM and maintaining steady march pace.
Reflection Questions
- How has God used other people's professional competence and discipline to accomplish His purposes in your life?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty over timing and logistics in protecting His servants?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsμὲν2 of 18
G3303properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
στρατιῶται4 of 18
“the soldiers”
G4757a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
κατὰ5 of 18
“as”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
διατεταγμένον7 of 18
“it was commanded”
G1299to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
αὐτοῖς8 of 18
“them”
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
Παῦλον11 of 18
“Paul”
G3972(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἤγαγον12 of 18
“and brought”
G71properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
εἰς16 of 18
“to”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
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 23:31 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 23:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge