Acts 23:29
What does Acts 23:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:29 means
Lysias concludes that Paul is accused regarding questions of Jewish law, with nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or imprisonment. This is a pivotal assessment. A Roman officer, after observation, finds no criminal offense. Luke wants readers to see that the gospel does not threaten public order; the objections are theological. While the council rails, Roman scrutiny brings sober judgment. This pattern repeats often in Acts, where impartial authorities find Christians innocent of civil crimes. Such recognition offers Paul protection and situates his message within the realm of conscience and doctrine rather than sedition, even as his hope confronts entrenched unbelief.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whom I found to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whom I found to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then it became clear to me that it was a question of their law, and that nothing was said against him which might be a reason for prison or death.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whom I found accused concerning questions of their law, and having no accusation worthy of death or bonds;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whom I found to be accused concerning questions of their law; but having nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bands.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890whom I found to be accused of questions of their law, but to have no charge laid against him [making him] worthy of death or of bonds.
Context
Having stated his legal evaluation, the commander has prepared Felix to treat Paul not as a dangerous criminal but as a religious defendant. The next sentence will justify the transfer by revealing the discovery of a plot against Paul’s life. With charges unfit for Roman punishment and danger mounting, Lysias chooses to send Paul to a higher authority, ensuring safety and allowing the accusers to present their case lawfully before the governor.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
- Acts 28:18
who, when they had examined me, desired to set me at liberty, because there was no cause of death in me.
- Acts 24:10
And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:
- Acts 25:25
But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death: and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him.
- Acts 25:11
If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is true whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
- Acts 26:31
and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
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