Acts 23:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:35 mean?

Acts 23:35 records that the Roman governor, after hearing about the accusations against Paul, decided to wait until Paul's accusers arrived before holding a hearing. The governor ordered Paul to be kept in custody at Herod’s judgment hall until that time.

In this verse, the Roman governor Felix is speaking to Paul. Paul had been brought to Felix by Roman soldiers for his own protection after a plot against his life was discovered. Felix’s statement shows he intends to follow Roman legal procedure by not making a decision until both sides—the accused and the accusers—are present. Herod’s judgment hall was likely a secure place in Caesarea where official matters were handled.

The Greek behind Acts 23:35

• ἀκοῦσαι (akousai, "hear"): This word means to listen or to hold a hearing. Here, it suggests a formal legal proceeding, not just casual listening.
• κατηγόρων (katēgorōn, "accusers"): This refers specifically to those bringing charges in a legal sense, highlighting that Paul is facing an official accusation, not just rumors or informal complaints.
• πραιτωρίῳ (praitōriō, "hall"): This term refers to the governor’s official residence or headquarters, often used for judicial proceedings. It emphasizes the seriousness and official nature of Paul’s custody.

Why Acts 23:35 matters

• Acts 23:35 clarifies that Paul was not being punished or condemned at this stage, but was being held for a fair hearing, following Roman legal customs.
• The verse shows the careful legal process of the Roman authorities, contrasting with the earlier chaos and violence Paul faced in Jerusalem.
• This moment sets the stage for Paul’s later defenses before Roman officials, which become important episodes in the rest of Acts.