Bible Commentary

I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall. 35. I will hear thee ] The verb implies a complete and thorough hearing of a case. “I will give thee a full hearing.” The Rev. Ver. renders “I will hear thy … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:35”

And when the governor had read [the letter,] he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that [he was] of Cilicia; 34. And when the governor had read the letter ] The oldest MSS. have nothing either for “the governor” or “the letter.” Read (with Rev. Ver.) “And when he had read … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:34”

Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. 33. who, when they came to Cesarea ] The Rev. Ver. breaks up the relative into a conjunction and a personal pronoun. “And they, when, &c.” This makes the reference to the horsemen more clear. and delivered … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:33”

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: 32. On the morrow ] The original has a conjunction which the Rev. Ver. represents by “But.” These men would return to Jerusalem again on the day of the intended plot. they left the horsemen to go with him … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:32”

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought [him] by night to Antipatris. 31 35. Paul is brought to Cesarea, and kept prisoner by Felix 31. Then [ So ] the soldiers, &c. took Paul ] i.e. they formed a party for his escort, and took him among them. and brought … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:31”

And 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. 30. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man ] In … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:30”

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. 29. whom I perceived [ R. V. found] to be accused, &c.] At first he would have discovered that the outcry against St Paul had something to do with the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:29”

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: 28. And when I would have known, &c.] The Rev. Ver. more literally “and desiring to know, &c.” The method by which the chief captain proposed to learn the charge against Paul was by scourging the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:28”

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 27. This man was taken of the Jews ] The verb implies a seizure or arrest. It is used (Mat 26:55; Mar 14:48) of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:27”

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting. 26 30. Letter of Claudius Lysias to Felix 26. the most excellent governor ] The title “most excellent” is that which is given by St Luke at the beginning of his Gospel to the Theophilus for whom he wrote it. Hence it is probable that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 23:26”