And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

ACTS 23:24KJV
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Acts 23:24 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:24 mean?

Acts 23:24 describes instructions to provide animals so that Paul could ride and be safely escorted to Felix, the Roman governor. The verse shows arrangements being made to protect Paul and ensure he reaches Felix without harm.

In this scene, a Roman commander is giving orders to his soldiers. Paul, a prisoner at this point, is being transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea because there are threats against his life. The commander wants Paul to travel safely and quickly, so he arranges for animals—likely horses or donkeys—for Paul and his escorts. Felix is the official who will decide what happens to Paul next.

The Greek behind Acts 23:24

  • "provide" (παραστήσατε, parastēsate): This word means to present or supply something. Here, it emphasizes that the soldiers are to make sure the animals are ready and available for Paul and his companions.
  • "beasts" (κτήνη, ktēnē): This term refers to riding animals, not just any animals. It highlights that the journey was long enough or urgent enough to require riding rather than walking.
  • "safe" (διασώζω, diasōzō): This word carries the sense of being brought through danger unharmed. The commander's concern is not just for transport, but for Paul's protection from threats along the way.

Why Acts 23:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Roman authorities took the threats against Paul seriously and went to special lengths to protect him, showing the level of danger he faced.
  • The mention of Felix the governor sets up the next phase of Paul's legal journey, connecting this moment to the broader narrative of Paul's trials before Roman officials.
  • By specifying the provision of animals, the verse highlights the urgency and care involved in Paul's transfer, which helps explain the seriousness of the situation and the resources the Romans were willing to use.

Where else these words appear

“set” Greek G1913 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
  • Luke 19:35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

“beasts” Greek G2934 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
  • Revelation 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

“safe” Greek G1295 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
  • Acts 27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
  • Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

“Felix” Greek G5344 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
  • Acts 24:22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
  • Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.