Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

ACTS 23:31KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 23:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:31 mean?

Acts 23:31 describes how the soldiers followed their orders and took Paul away at night, bringing him safely to a place called Antipatris. This verse shows the careful and secretive way Paul was moved to protect him from danger.

Paul was a prisoner under Roman guard because some people in Jerusalem wanted to harm him. The Roman commander had ordered the soldiers to take Paul away by night to keep him safe from a plot against his life. Antipatris was a town about halfway between Jerusalem and Caesarea, making it a logical stopping point on the journey.

The Greek behind Acts 23:31

  • "Soldiers" (στρατιῶται, stratiōtai): This word refers specifically to Roman military men, emphasizing that Paul was under official Roman protection, not just any armed escort.
  • "Brought" (ἤγαγον, ēgagon): This verb often means to lead or guide, not just to carry or transport. Here, it suggests the soldiers were actively responsible for Paul's safety and movement.
  • "By night" (διὰ τῆς νυκτός, dia tēs nyktos): The phrase highlights the secrecy and urgency of the mission, showing the seriousness of the threat against Paul.

Why Acts 23:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul's safety was a high priority for the Roman authorities, countering any idea that he was abandoned or left vulnerable.
  • The mention of Antipatris connects the story to real geography, grounding the narrative in actual locations and travel routes of the time.
  • Acts 23:31 shows the unfolding of God's protection for Paul through ordinary means—Roman soldiers and careful planning—rather than miraculous intervention.

Where else these words appear

“took” Greek G353 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • Acts 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
  • Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“commanded” Greek G1299 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
  • Acts 7:44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

“soldiers” Greek G4757 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
  • 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.

“night” Greek G3571 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
  • Luke 21:37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
  • Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,