Acts 23:33
What does Acts 23:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:33 means
Upon arrival in Cæsarea, the cavalry deliver the letter to Felix and present Paul. This formal handover completes the commander’s plan and places the case within the governor’s court. The transition from Jerusalem’s turmoil to Caesarea’s administrative order is complete. Paul stands not before a mob but before a magistrate equipped to judge legally. Luke stresses procedure: documentation, delivery, and presentation—all markers of a lawful process. God has moved His servant from danger to due process, setting the stage for testimony before rulers, in line with the promise given the night before.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and they, when they came to Cæsarea and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who, when they came to Cesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and they, when they came to Cæsarea and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they, when they came to Caesarea, gave the letter to the ruler, and took Paul before him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862those having entered into Caesarea, and delivered the letter to the governor, did present also Paul to him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who, when they were come to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, did also present Paul before him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And these, having entered into Caesarea, and given up the letter to the governor, presented Paul also to him.
Context
The journey concludes as intended: Paul reaches the governor with an accompanying letter. Now the focus shifts to Felix’s initial steps—reading the document, verifying Paul’s province, and determining the venue for hearing the case. These steps are routine but significant, ensuring that what follows occurs under recognized authority. The final verses of the chapter describe Felix’s preliminary decisions and Paul’s accommodation while awaiting the arrival of his accusers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:26
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.
- Acts 8:40
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.
- Acts 28:16
And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.
- 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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