Acts 23:27
What does Acts 23:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:27 means
Lysias reports that Paul was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed when soldiers intervened and rescued him, having learned he was a Roman. The letter highlights the commander’s prompt action to save a citizen from lynching. It also frames the situation as a protection of Roman rights and public order. While presenting himself in the best light, the commander’s emphasis is clear: Paul did not instigate violence; he was its target. The rescue underscores that the state’s duty is to shield life and uphold the privileges of citizenship. This background informs Felix that the matter requires measured legal handling, not immediate punishment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be slain of them, when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be slain of them, when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be put to death by them, when I came on them with the army and took him out of danger, having knowledge that he was a Roman.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862This man having been taken by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them--having come with the soldiery, I rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This man, being taken by the Jews and ready to be killed by them, I rescued, coming in with an army, understanding that he is a Roman.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This man, having been taken by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them, I came up with the military and took out [of their hands], having learned that he was a Roman.
Context
The commander opens with the crisis and his intervention, setting the stage for Felix to understand the urgency and legitimacy of his actions. The next lines will explain how the matter was referred to the council to identify specific charges and what was discovered there. This prepares Felix to see that the dispute centers on religious questions, not crimes against the state, and that a deadly plot now necessitates Paul’s transfer for his safety and for proper adjudication.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:10
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the castle.
- Acts 24:6
who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold:
- 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.
- 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?
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