Acts 24:23
What does Acts 24:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:23 means
Felix orders that Paul be kept in custody but with indulgence, allowing his friends to attend to his needs. This middle course acknowledges that Paul is not a dangerous criminal. It reflects Roman practice toward a citizen under investigation and shows God’s providence in softening Paul’s confinement. He will not be isolated; the fellowship of believers can support him. Though unjustly detained, he is granted a measure of kindness. The gospel’s servant remains under guard, yet able to receive aid—and, as the next verses show, to speak of Christ to those in authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he gave orders to the captain to keep Paul under his control, and to let him have everything he had need of; and not to keep his friends from coming to see him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having given also a direction to the centurion to keep Paul, to let <FI>him<Fi> also have liberty, and to forbid none of his own friends to minister or to come near to him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he commanded a centurion to keep him: and that he should be easy and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890ordering the centurion to keep him, and that he should have freedom, and to hinder none of his friends to minister to him.
Context
After deferring judgment, Felix sets the terms of Paul’s custody. Verse 23 describes a relaxed confinement consistent with his nonviolent profile. The narrative then moves in verse 24 to Felix and Drusilla summoning Paul to hear him about the faith in Christ Jesus. In verse 25, Paul’s reasoning unsettles Felix, who delays further. Verses 26–27 disclose ulterior motives and the prolonged nature of Paul’s imprisonment pending the governorship change.
v.22But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.
v.23This passage
v.24But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 28:31
preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.
- Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
- Acts 21:8
And on the morrow we departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him.
- Acts 24:26
He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
- Acts 23:16
But Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle and told Paul.
- Acts 27:3
And the next day we touched at Sidon: and Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 24
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 24.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…