And he wrote a letter after this manner:

ACTS 23:25KJV
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Acts 23:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:25 mean?

Acts 23:25 describes how someone wrote a letter in a particular style or following a certain pattern. The verse sets up the content of the letter that is about to be shared in the following verses.

In this part of the story, the Roman commander (Claudius Lysias) is writing to the governor (Felix) about the apostle Paul. The commander wants to explain why Paul is being sent to the governor, so he writes an official letter. This verse simply introduces that letter, letting the reader know that what follows is the text of the message.

The Greek behind Acts 23:25

  • "wrote" (ἔγραψεν, egrapsen): This word means to write, often in the sense of writing a formal document or letter, which fits the official nature of this communication.
  • "letter" (ἐπιστολήν, epistolēn): This is the usual Greek word for a written message or letter, especially one sent to communicate important information.
  • "after" (περιέχουσαν, periechousan): This word is often understood as "containing" or "in the following manner," indicating that what comes next is the content or style of the letter.
  • "this" (ταύτην, tautēn): This points to the specific manner or form being described, signaling that the letter will follow the pattern about to be shown.
  • "manner" (τύπον, typon): This word means a pattern, form, or example. Here, it refers to the style or format in which the letter was written, suggesting it follows a typical official format.

Why Acts 23:25 matters

  • Acts 23:25 helps the reader understand that the following verses are not just a summary, but the actual text of an official Roman letter, giving historical context to Paul's situation.
  • The verse highlights the formal and careful way the Roman authorities handled Paul's case, which is important for understanding the legal and political environment of the time.
  • By introducing the letter in this way, Acts emphasizes the seriousness and official nature of the events, showing that Paul's case was significant enough to require written documentation to a higher authority.

Where else these words appear

“after” Greek G4023 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
  • 1 Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

“manner” Greek G5179 · used in 15 verses

  • John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
  • Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

“letter” Greek G1992 · used in 23 verses

  • Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
  • Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

“this” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
  • Acts 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.