Acts 23:32
What does Acts 23:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:32 means
The next day, the infantry return to the fortress, leaving the horsemen to continue with Paul. This tactical adjustment suggests the greatest danger lay near Jerusalem, and that cavalry alone sufficed for the remainder. It conserves resources while still ensuring Paul’s safety. The narrative detail shows Roman prudence and confidence in their assessment of risk. God’s care works through ordinary logistics and wise stewardship. The reduced escort still signals significant protection, maintaining deterrence as Paul travels the remaining distance to Cæsarea for formal proceedings before the governor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But on the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
KJV
King James Version · 1611On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But on the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But on the day after, they sent the horsemen on with him, and went back to their place:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and on the morrow, having suffered the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the castle;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the next day, leaving the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the castle.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and on the morrow, having left the horsemen to go with him, returned to the fortress.
Context
After reaching Antipatris, the commander’s plan adapts to changing conditions. The main threat appears past, so only the cavalry continues with Paul. The story now moves swiftly to its destination: Cæsarea. There the letter will be delivered and Paul formally presented. Felix will conduct a preliminary inquiry to establish jurisdiction and then arrange for a full hearing when the accusers arrive, keeping Paul secured in a suitable place.
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 23:23
And he called unto him two of the centurions, and said, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night:
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