Devine Scripture

Acts 23:28

What does Acts 23:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 23:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 23:28 means

He explains that, desiring to know the cause of the accusations, he brought Paul before their council. This emphasizes due process: the Romans tried to ascertain facts through the appropriate Jewish tribunal. The approach shows respect for local authorities while maintaining oversight. It was an attempt to separate rumor from evidence, passion from law. By recounting this step, Lysias assures Felix that the case has been investigated at the right level and that the transfer is not hasty but considered. It frames Paul’s situation as one already tested by examination, even if the council could not reach a coherent legal charge.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And desiring to know the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him down unto their council:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And desiring to know the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him down unto their council:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And, desiring to get at the reason for their attack on him, I took him down to their Sanhedrin:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and, intending to know the cause for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their sanhedrim,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And meaning to know the cause which they objected unto him, I brought him forth into their council.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And desiring to know the charge on which they accused him, I brought him down to their council;

Context

The letter proceeds logically: from the rescue to the inquiry before the Sanhedrin. The goal was to identify precise charges. In the next statement, the commander will report his conclusion—that the accusations involve questions of Jewish law, not matters warranting death or imprisonment under Roman statutes. This prepares Felix to evaluate the case through a legal lens more favorable to Paul and to understand the subsequent need to move Paul because of a plot against his life.

v.27This 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.

v.28This passage

v.29whom I found to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 22:30

    But on the morrow, desiring to know the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 23

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 23.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 23:28.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary