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.

ACTS 23:30KJV
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Acts 23:30 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:30 mean?

Acts 23:30 gives the reason Paul was sent to the governor: the Roman commander had learned of a plot against him. The commander also directed Paul’s accusers to present their case to the governor, placing the dispute before a higher official.

The words are part of a letter from Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander in Jerusalem, to Governor Felix. “Laid wait” pictures an ambush: the plotters intended to attack Paul on the way. “Farewell” marks the close of the letter in the KJV.

The Greek behind Acts 23:30

  • “laid wait” — ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē): This word carries the sense of a plot or scheme against someone. Alongside the other words translated “laid wait,” it points to a planned attack rather than a chance encounter.
  • “straightway” — ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs): This word means immediately or without delay. It presents the commander’s decision to send Paul as a prompt response to the report.

Why Acts 23:30 matters

  • The danger came from a particular group, not every Jewish person in Jerusalem. The KJV says “the Jews laid wait,” while Acts 23:12–13 identifies the plotters as more than forty men who had joined together.
  • The hearing would take place away from Jerusalem. Felix was the governor at Caesarea, where the soldiers brought Paul and delivered the letter (Acts 23:33).
  • The letter lets readers hear the commander’s account of his actions. His statement about sending Paul “straightway” comes as part of his explanation to the governor.

Where else these words appear

“Farewell” Greek G4517 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

“told” Greek G3377 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
  • John 11:57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

“wait” Greek G1917 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
  • Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

“straightway” Greek G1824 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
  • Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
  • Acts 21:32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.