New International VersionThe governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,
New Living TranslationHe read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered.
English Standard VersionOn reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
Berean Standard BibleThe governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,
Berean Literal BibleAnd having read it and having asked what province he is from, and having learned that he is from Cilicia,
King James BibleAnd when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
New King James VersionAnd when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia,
New American Standard BibleNow when he had read it, he also asked from what province Paul was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
NASB 1995When he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
NASB 1977And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was; and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
Legacy Standard BibleAnd when he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
Amplified BibleAfter reading the letter, he asked which province Paul was from, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia [an imperial province],
Christian Standard BibleAfter he read it, he asked what province he was from. When he learned he was from Cilicia,
Holman Christian Standard BibleAfter he read it, he asked what province he was from. So when he learned he was from Cilicia,
American Standard VersionAnd when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when he understood that he was of Cilicia,
Contemporary English VersionThe governor read the letter. Then he asked Paul and found out that he was from Cilicia.
English Revised VersionAnd when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when he understood that he was of Cilicia,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter the governor had read the letter, he asked Paul which province he was from. When he found out that Paul was from the province of Cilicia,
Good News TranslationThe governor read the letter and asked Paul what province he was from. When he found out that he was from Cilicia,
International Standard VersionAfter reading the letter, the governor asked which province Paul was from. On learning that he was from Cilicia,
NET BibleWhen the governor had read the letter, he asked what province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,
New Heart English BibleWhen the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia,
Weymouth New TestamentFelix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; and being told "from Cilicia," Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,
World English BibleWhen the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the governor having read [it], and inquired of what province he is, and understood that [he is] from Cilicia;
Berean Literal BibleAnd having read it and having asked what province he is from, and having learned that he is from Cilicia,
Young's Literal Translation And the governor having read it, and inquired of what province he is, and understood that he is from Cilicia;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the leader having read, and asked of what province he is, and having understood from Cilicia; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he had read it, and had asked of what province he was, and understood that he was of Cilicia;
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when he had read it and had asked which province he was from, realizing that he was from Cilicia, he said:
New American BibleWhen he had read it and asked to what province he belonged, and learned that he was from Cilicia,
New Revised Standard VersionOn reading the letter, he asked what province he belonged to, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the governor had read the letter, he asked Paul of what province he was. And when he learned that he was of Ci-li’cia;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when he read the letter, he was asking him from which province he was, and when he learned that he was from Qiliqia, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd when he had read the letter, he inquired to what province he belonged. And learning that he was from Cilicia, he said:
Godbey New TestamentAnd having read, and made inquiry of what jurisdiction,
Haweis New TestamentThen when the governor had read it, and asked of what province he was, and understood he was of Cilicia;
Mace New TestamentThe governour having read the letter, ask'd Paul of what province he was, and being inform'd he was of Cilicia, you shall be heard,
Weymouth New TestamentFelix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; and being told "from Cilicia,"
Worrell New TestamentAnd, having read it, he asked of what province he was. And, learning that he was from Cilicia,
Worsley New TestamentAnd when the governor had read the letter, and asked of what province he was; being informed that he was of Cilicia, he said,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul Sent to Felix… 33When the horsemen arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. 34The governor read the letterandaskedwhatprovincePaul wasfrom.Learningthathe was fromCilicia,35he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.…
Cross References Acts 21:39But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”
Acts 22:3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
Acts 25:1-12Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, / where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus / to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. ...
Acts 9:11“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
Acts 26:1-32Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, / especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. ...
Acts 28:17-20After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. / They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. / But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. ...
Acts 19:21After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”
Acts 24:1-27Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. ...
Acts 27:1-2When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. / We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
Acts 18:12-17While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. / “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said. / But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. ...
Acts 16:37-39But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” / So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. / They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.
Acts 13:4-12So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. / When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper. / They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, ...
Acts 15:22-29Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers, / and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. / It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said. ...
Acts 11:19-26Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. / But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. / The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. ...
Acts 14:19-28Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. / But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. / They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ...
Treasury of Scripture And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; he asked. Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Esther 1:1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (thisis Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia,over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, thatis, the month Sivan, on the three and twentiethday thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces whichare from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. Cilicia. Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a manwhich am a Jew of Tarsus,a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. Jump to Previous BelongedCiliciaCili'ciaCountryEparchyFelixGovernorHearingInquiredLetterPartProvinceReadReadingUnderstoodJump to Next BelongedCiliciaCili'ciaCountryEparchyFelixGovernorHearingInquiredLetterPartProvinceReadReadingUnderstoodActs 23 1.As Paul pleads his cause,2.Ananias commands them to strike him.7.Dissension among his accusers.11.God encourages him.14.The Jews' vow to kill Paul,20.is declared unto the chief captain.27.He sends him to Felix the governor.The governor read the letterThe governor referred to here is Antonius Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea. Letters were a common means of communication in the Roman Empire, especially for official matters. This letter was from Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander in Jerusalem, explaining the situation with Paul. The act of reading the letter indicates the Roman practice of thorough legal procedures, ensuring that the governor was informed of the circumstances before making any decisions. and asked what province Paul was from. Roman governance was organized into provinces, each with its own legal jurisdiction. By asking about Paul's province, Felix was determining the appropriate legal authority over Paul's case. This reflects the Roman legal system's complexity and the importance of jurisdiction. It also highlights the Roman concern for legal propriety and the rights of Roman citizens, which Paul was. Learning that he was from Cilicia, Cilicia was a Roman province in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was known for its strategic location and as a center of commerce and culture. Tarsus, Paul's birthplace, was a prominent city in Cilicia, known for its educational institutions. By identifying Paul as a Cilician, Felix recognized him as a Roman citizen, which afforded Paul certain legal protections and privileges. This detail underscores the providential care in Paul's life, as his Roman citizenship played a crucial role in his missionary journeys and legal defenses. Persons / Places / Events 1. The GovernorThis refers to the Roman governor, Antonius Felix, who was the procurator of Judea at the time. He was responsible for maintaining law and order and had the authority to hear legal cases. 2. PaulThe Apostle Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, who was being held in custody due to accusations from Jewish leaders. He was a Roman citizen, which afforded him certain legal protections. 3. CiliciaA Roman province in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. Paul was from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, which played a role in his legal rights as a Roman citizen. 4. The LetterThis refers to the letter written by Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, to Governor Felix. The letter explained the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the charges against him. 5. The InquiryThe governor's inquiry about Paul's province was a procedural step to determine jurisdiction and the appropriate legal process for handling Paul's case. Teaching Points The Importance of CitizenshipPaul's Roman citizenship played a crucial role in his legal protection and the unfolding of God's plan for his ministry. As Christians, we can reflect on our dual citizenship—earthly and heavenly—and how it influences our lives and witness. God's Sovereignty in Legal MattersThe legal proceedings surrounding Paul demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence. Even in complex legal situations, God is at work to fulfill His purposes. Wisdom in Navigating AuthorityPaul wisely used his rights as a Roman citizen to navigate the legal system. Christians are called to be wise and discerning in how they interact with authorities, using their rights and freedoms to advance the Gospel. Courage in the Face of AccusationDespite facing false accusations, Paul remained steadfast in his mission. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, trusting God amidst trials and opposition. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 23:34?
2.How does Acts 23:34 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Paul's legal journey?
3.What role does Roman citizenship play in Paul's protection in Acts 23:34?
4.How can we trust God's plan when facing unjust situations like Paul?
5.What other biblical examples show God using authorities for His purposes?
6.How can we apply Paul's trust in God's plan to our daily challenges?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 23:34?
8.How does Acts 23:34 reflect God's sovereignty in Paul's life?
9.Why was the letter in Acts 23:34 significant for Paul's legal defense?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 23?
11.What is the timeline of Paul's life events?
12.Acts 23 - Are the Roman legal procedures and the role of the commander, Claudius Lysias, accurately portrayed compared to known historical records?
13.What are the key events in the Book of Acts?
14.How reliable is Luke's account of Paul's defense in Acts 26:30-32, given the limited external historical corroboration?What Does Acts 23:34 Mean The governor read the letterActs 23:34 opens with a straightforward statement: “The governor read the letter.” Governor Felix receives the written report from Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26-30). • Rome prized orderly documentation; by having Felix read the letter first, Luke spotlights the providence of God working through imperial bureaucracy to keep His servant safe (compareActs 23:11;Romans 13:1-4). • The letter itself underscores Paul’s innocence: “I found that he was accused regarding questions of their law, but charged with nothing worthy of death or imprisonment” (Acts 23:29). • As with earlier hearings before Roman officials—Gallio in Corinth (Acts 18:12-16) and the city clerk in Ephesus (Acts 19:35-41)—Luke again records a civil authority recognizing that charges against believers lack legal substance. He asked what province Paul was fromFelix next “asked what province Paul was from.” • Roman law required a governor to confirm jurisdiction before opening a case. If Paul hailed from a province outside Felix’s authority, the governor would transfer him (Acts 25:1-12 shows Festus doing exactly that with Nero). • Paul’s Roman citizenship (Acts 22:25-29) guaranteed him formal legal protections. By seeking Paul’s provincial origin, Felix is honoring those rights—further evidence that God is using Roman orderliness to advance Gospel purposes (Philippians 1:12-13). • This step also signals a pause in the hostility. Jewish opposition moved swiftly; Roman procedure forces everyone to slow down and follow established steps (compareProverbs 18:13). Learning that he was from CiliciaWhen Felix discovers Paul is from Cilicia, he realizes the case does fall under his purview. • Cilicia, together with Syria, formed a larger imperial province overseen ultimately by the legate of Syria; Felix, as procurator of Judea, served under that same chain of command. He therefore has authority to hear Paul’s case. • Luke subtly shows the Lord steering events toward Rome. If Paul had belonged to an entirely separate province, a different governor might have seized control, delaying God’s timeline. Instead, Paul remains in Caesarea, where he will testify before Felix (Acts 24:1-27) and later before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25–26), each hearing widening the audience for the Gospel (Acts 9:15). • God’s care is evident: Paul is neither rushed back into the volatile atmosphere of Jerusalem nor shuffled off to an unknown jurisdiction. Instead, he enjoys relative security in a coastal city, free to speak of Christ to rulers and soldiers alike (Acts 23:35; 24:23). summaryActs 23:34 records a routine legal detail, yet it reveals the Lord’s sovereign hand guiding every step: Felix reads the commander’s letter, confirms jurisdiction by asking Paul’s province, and—upon learning it is Cilicia—keeps the apostle under his own protection. Roman orderliness becomes a shield for God’s servant, ensuring the Gospel continues its appointed journey toward Rome. (34) He asked of what province he was.--The question was a natural one for a procurator of Judaea to ask as to any prisoner brought before him. (Comp. Pilate's question in Luke 23:6.) It does not appear why Felix was ready to take cognisance of a matter which apparently, to judge by the precedent set by Pilate, belonged to the jurisdiction of another. Perhaps he had no motive for conciliating the favour of the governor of Cilicia, or thought that the nature of the accusation over-ruled the nationality of the accused. Verse 34.- He for the governor, A.V. and T.R.; it for the fetter, A.V. Province; ἐπαρχία, only here and in Acts 25:1. A general word for a government, most properly applied to an imperial province.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [The governor] read [the letter]Ἀναγνοὺς(Anagnous)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 314:To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.askedἐπερωτήσας(eperōtēsas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1905:To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.whatποίας(poias)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4169:Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.provinceἐπαρχείας(eparcheias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1885:Sphere of duty, province. From a compound of epi and archo; a special region of government, i.e. A Roman pr?Fecture.[Paul] wasἐστὶν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.from.ἐκ(ek)Preposition Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.Learningπυθόμενος(pythomenos)Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4441:To ask, inquire, ascertain by inquiry, understand.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.[he was] fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.Cilicia,Κιλικίας(Kilikias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2791:Probably of foreign origin; Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor.
Links Acts 23:34 NIVActs 23:34 NLTActs 23:34 ESVActs 23:34 NASBActs 23:34 KJV
Acts 23:34 BibleApps.comActs 23:34 Biblia ParalelaActs 23:34 Chinese BibleActs 23:34 French BibleActs 23:34 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 23:34 When the governor had read it he (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |