Acts 22:24
What does Acts 22:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 22:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 22:24 means
The chief captain orders Paul brought into the fortress to be examined by scourging, hoping to uncover why the crowd is shouting against him. This is standard Roman practice for non-citizens, using severe flogging to extract information. It reveals the commander’s ignorance of both the theological issues and Paul’s legal status. Ironically, while the Jews reject Paul for preaching grace to Gentiles, the Gentile authority nearly violates justice toward Paul. Yet God will use even Roman law to protect His servant. The attempt to force truth by pain contrasts with Paul’s method: he bears witness by truthful words and patient endurance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The chief captain gave orders for him to be taken into the army building, saying that he would put him to the test by whipping, so that he might have knowledge of the reason why they were crying out so violently against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, saying, `By scourges let him be examined;' that he might know for what cause they were crying so against him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The tribune commanded him to be brought into the castle, and that he should be scourged and tortured: to know for what cause they did so cry out against him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the chiliarch commanded him to be brought into the fortress, saying that he should be examined by scourging, that he might ascertain for what cause they cried thus against him.
Context
Following the mob’s frenzy, verse 24 moves the narrative into Roman custody and procedure. The commander seeks clarity through coercion. The next verses (25–29) will showcase a crucial turn: Paul’s invocation of his Roman citizenship halts the illegal scourging and generates fear among the officials. This legal development preserves Paul for further testimony, leading into the formal appearance before the Jewish council in verse 30.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:35
Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
- Acts 21:31
And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
- John 19:1
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
- Acts 16:22
And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent their garments off them, and commanded to beat them with rods.
- Acts 22:25
And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
- Acts 16:37
But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.
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