Acts 23:30
What does Acts 23:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:30 means
He reports that, when a plot against Paul was revealed, he sent him to Felix at once and instructed the accusers to bring their case before the governor. This shows proper procedure: protect the defendant, escalate jurisdiction, and require formal charges in a legitimate venue. The commander acts to safeguard life and to ensure that due process replaces mob justice. By placing the responsibility on the accusers to appear before Felix, he forces the matter into the open where evidence must be weighed. The letter thus closes with justified urgency and orderly transfer, leaving Felix to adjudicate in a calmer, safer setting.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when it was shown to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to thee forthwith, charging his accusers also to speak against him before thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when it was shown to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to thee forthwith, charging his accusers also to speak against him before thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when news was given to me that a secret design was being made against the man, I sent him straight away to you, giving orders to those who are against him to make their statements before you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and a plot having been intimated to me against this man--about to be of the Jews--at once I sent unto thee, having given command also to the accusers to say the things against him before thee; be strong.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when I was told of ambushes that they had prepared for him, I sent him to thee, signifying also to his accusers to plead before thee. Farewell.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But having received information of a plot about to be put in execution against the man [by the Jews], I have immediately sent him to thee, commanding also his accusers to say before thee the things that are against him. [Farewell.]
Context
The letter ends by explaining the practical necessity for transfer and the expectation that the accusers will follow through. With this, Luke returns to the narrative’s movement. The soldiers carry out the plan, departing by night toward Antipatris and then to Cæsarea. The formal presentation of Paul and the letter will lead Felix to make an initial jurisdictional inquiry and to arrange for a full hearing when the accusers arrive, keeping Paul in secure custody in the meantime.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:6
who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold:
- Acts 15:29
that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.
- Acts 23:35
I will hear thee fully, said he, when thine accusers also are come: and he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s palace.
- Acts 23:12
And when it was day, the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
- Acts 24:19
who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.
- Acts 25:5
Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him.
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