Acts 23:26
What does Acts 23:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:26 means
“Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.” The salutation identifies the sender and honors the recipient with a customary title. This formality lends weight and credibility to the report. Naming the commander also clarifies responsibility for the decision to send Paul. Luke’s inclusion of this heading roots the narrative in verifiable administrative practice. It assures readers that Paul’s transfer is not clandestine but an official act carried out in the open, with respect to legal hierarchies. The letter will now relay key facts to inform Felix’s judgment and to protect Paul under Roman law.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Claudius Lysias, to the most noble ruler, Felix, peace be with you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Claudius Lysias, to the most noble governor Felix, hail:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor, Felix, greeting:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.
Context
The letter begins with a formal address, after which the commander will summarize what happened and why Paul is being transferred. This official correspondence bridges the Jerusalem events and the Caesarean hearing. By preserving the letter’s core, Luke shows how Roman authorities viewed the case as a religious dispute rather than a civil crime. After the letter, the narrative returns to the journey’s progress and Paul’s presentation before Felix, ensuring a smooth transition from street tumult to courtroom procedure.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:25
But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness.
- 3 John 1:14
but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
- Acts 15:23
and they wrote thus by them, The apostles and the elders, brethren, unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting:
- James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting.
- Acts 24:3
we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
- Luke 1:3
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;
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