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.

ACTS 23:27KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 23:27 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:27 mean?

Acts 23:27 records a Roman commander explaining that he rescued Paul from a violent situation with the Jews because he discovered Paul was a Roman citizen. The commander emphasizes that Paul was about to be killed, but he intervened with his soldiers to save him.

The verse is part of a letter written by Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, to Governor Felix. Lysias is explaining why Paul, who had been seized by a Jewish crowd, was taken into Roman custody. The commander highlights his quick action and the legal importance of Paul's Roman citizenship, which required special protection under Roman law.

The Greek behind Acts 23:27

  • ἁρπάζω (harpazō, "taken"): This word often means to seize or snatch suddenly, showing the forceful way Paul was grabbed by the crowd.
  • στρατεία (strateia, "army"): This term refers to a detachment of soldiers, underlining that the commander brought significant force to rescue Paul, not just a few guards.
  • Ῥωμαῖος (Rhōmaios, "Roman"): The Greek word for "Roman" stresses Paul's legal status, which was a crucial detail—Roman citizens had rights that protected them from summary execution or mistreatment.

Why Acts 23:27 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Paul's Roman citizenship was central to his protection and the Roman commander's actions, showing how citizenship could change the outcome of a legal crisis in the Roman Empire.
  • It helps explain why the Roman authorities became so involved in Paul's case, connecting to the wider narrative of Paul's trials and eventual journey to Rome.
  • The verse shows the commander's attempt to present himself in a positive light to his superior, possibly downplaying any mistakes and emphasizing his respect for Roman law.

Where else these words appear

“army” Greek G4753 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
  • Revelation 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

“rescued” Greek G1807 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Acts 7:10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
  • Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

“Roman” Greek G4514 · used in 13 verses

  • John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
  • Acts 16:38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
  • Acts 22:29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

“taken” Greek G4815 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
  • Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
  • Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.