King James Version
What Does Acts 23:32 Mean?
“On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:”
Acts 23:32 · KJV
Context
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.
34
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOn the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him—the 200 infantry and 200 spearmen returned to Jerusalem while 70 cavalry continued to Caesarea. This tactical shift reflects Roman military doctrine: the greatest ambush danger lay near Jerusalem in Judean hills; once reaching the coastal plain, mounted troops sufficed. The phrase returned to the castle (parembolēn, παρεμβολὴν, garrison) refers to the Antonia Fortress. This military detail demonstrates Luke's precise knowledge of Roman procedures and the seriousness with which Lysias took the assassination threat.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The route from Jerusalem to Caesarea descended from 2,500 feet elevation through dangerous terrain before reaching the coastal highway. Roman military escorts adjusted force composition based on threat assessment—standard operating procedure for prisoner transfers.
Reflection Questions
- How does this military precision reveal God's protecting hand over Paul's ministry?
- What does the authorities' extraordinary security measures reveal about the intensity of opposition to the gospel?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 13 wordsἐπαύριον3 of 13
“On the morrow”
G1887occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow
πορεύεσθαι7 of 13
“to go”
G4198to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
σὺν8 of 13
“with”
G4862with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
αὐτῷ9 of 13
“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
ὑπέστρεψαν10 of 13
“and returned”
G5290to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
εἰς11 of 13
“to”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
παρεμβολήν·13 of 13
“the castle”
G3925a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)
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 23:32 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 23:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge