he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.”This phrase is spoken by Felix, the Roman governor of Judea. Felix's decision to wait for the accusers reflects Roman legal practices, which required the presence of both parties for a fair trial. This aligns with
Deuteronomy 19:15, which emphasizes the need for multiple witnesses. Felix's statement also highlights the tension between Roman law and Jewish customs, as Paul, a Roman citizen, is entitled to certain legal protections. This moment underscores the providence of God in using Roman legal systems to protect Paul and further the spread of the Gospel.
Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.
Herod’s Praetorium, also known as Herod's palace, was a grand structure in Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod the Great. It served as the official residence of the Roman governors. Archaeological findings confirm its opulence and strategic location, symbolizing Roman authority. Paul's confinement here, rather than in a common prison, indicates a level of respect for his Roman citizenship. This setting also provided Paul with opportunities to witness to influential figures, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy inActs 9:15 that Paul would testify before kings. The Praetorium's role as a place of judgment and governance parallels Christ's own trial before Pilate, drawing a typological connection between Paul and Jesus as both faced unjust accusations.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who is under Roman custody due to accusations from Jewish leaders. He is a central figure in the spread of Christianity and is known for his missionary journeys and epistles.
2.
FelixThe Roman governor who is responsible for hearing Paul's case. He is known for his political maneuvering and is mentioned in historical records outside the Bible.
3.
Herod’s PalaceThe location where Paul is kept under guard. This palace, also known as the Praetorium, was a place of Roman authority and governance in Judea.
4.
AccusersThe Jewish leaders who have brought charges against Paul, accusing him of causing unrest and defiling the temple.
5.
Roman Legal SystemThe context in which Paul is being held and will be tried. It reflects the legal processes of the Roman Empire, which often involved lengthy detentions and hearings.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's TimingPaul's situation reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when we face delays or uncertainties. We can trust that He is working behind the scenes for our good and His glory.
Faithfulness in TrialsDespite being under guard, Paul remains faithful to his mission. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, even when circumstances are challenging.
Witness in AdversityPaul's imprisonment becomes an opportunity to witness to those around him, including Roman officials. We should look for ways to share our faith, regardless of our situation.
Understanding AuthorityThe interaction with Roman authorities highlights the importance of respecting and understanding earthly governance while maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God.
Preparation for DefensePaul is prepared to defend his faith and actions. We should be ready to give an account of our beliefs and the hope we have in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 23:35?
2.How does Acts 23:35 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Paul's legal protection?
3.What role does Roman authority play in God's plan for Paul in Acts 23:35?
4.How can we trust God's timing when facing trials, as Paul did?
5.How does Acts 23:35 connect with Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?
6.How can Paul's experience in Acts 23:35 inspire us to remain faithful today?
7.How does Acts 23:35 reflect God's justice in legal proceedings?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 23:35?
9.How does Acts 23:35 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human authorities?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 23?
11.What is the timeline of Paul's life events?
12.Acts 23:12-15 - Is there concrete historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of this conspiracy of more than forty men to kill Paul?
13.Why do the charges against Paul in Acts 25:7 remain vague, and how does this ambiguity align or conflict with other New Testament accounts of similar trials?
14.Acts 23:2-5 - Why would Paul insult the high priest if he claimed to follow Jewish law and respect its leaders?What Does Acts 23:35 Mean
A Formal Word from the GovernorHe said…
• Felix responds to the military commander’s letter (Acts 23:26–33) with measured, official language, a hallmark of Roman procedure seen earlier when Gallio spoke in Corinth (Acts 18:14–16).
• The statement shows governmental authority recognizing Paul’s legal standing as a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25–29), reminding us of God’s promise that Paul would testify before rulers (Acts 9:15).
• Like Pilate who found “no basis for a charge” against Jesus (Luke 23:4), Felix begins by signaling an intent to judge facts, not mob pressure.
Awaiting the Accusers“I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.”
• Roman justice required the plaintiffs to be present; Scripture likewise insists on witnesses before judgment (Deuteronomy 19:15;Matthew 18:16).
• By deferring the hearing, Felix affirms due process, contrasting with the Sanhedrin’s earlier plot to murder Paul en route (Acts 23:12–15).
• God uses secular courts to slow hostile plans, echoingProverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD.”
• Paul’s calm submission models respect for authority even when the system is imperfect (Romans 13:1–4).
Protective Custody“Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard…”
• What looks like confinement actually shields Paul from assassination (Acts 23:23–24, 30).
• Similar protective detentions appear when Roman soldiers rescued him from the temple riot (Acts 21:32–34) and when he reached Rome (Acts 28:16).
• God often hides His servants in plain sight—think of Elijah sustained in the Kerith ravine (1 Kings 17:3–6).
• The guard also guarantees Paul’s future audience with Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and ultimately Caesar (Acts 24–26; 27:24).
Herod’s Praetorium“…in Herod’s Praetorium.”
• This palace, built by Herod the Great at Caesarea, doubled as the governor’s residence and headquarters—much like the praetorium where Jesus stood before Pilate (John 18:28, 33; 19:9, 13).
• Paul’s placement in a royal setting fulfills Jesus’ promise that the gospel would reach “kings” (Matthew 10:18).
• Later Paul writes that his chains became “known throughout the whole palace guard” (Philippians 1:13), showing how confinement turned into a platform.
• Even architecture bows to providence: a stone fortress becomes a pulpit for the apostle.
summaryActs 23:35 records a divinely guided pause. Felix’s formal reply upholds Roman due process, ensuring that accusers must appear. The governor’s order for guarded lodging, far from thwarting ministry, preserves Paul’s life and positions him inside Herod’s luxurious praetorium—a strategic launchpad for witness to rulers and soldiers alike. God’s sovereignty turns legal protocol into protective grace, moving His servant steadily toward Rome just as He promised.
(35)
I will hear thee.--The Greek verb expresses the idea of a thorough hearing.
He commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.--The Greek word ispraetorium,a word somewhat elastic in its application, and ranging from a palace to a barrack. "Judgment hall" hardly gives the meaning here. The building had probably been intended by Herod for use as a royal residence, and was now used by the Roman procurator for himself and his troops. The Apostle had there a second experience of the life of a praetorium. At Rome he does not appear to have been in the praetorium, though the circumstances of his imprisonment brought him into contact with the soldiers who were quartered there. (Comp. Notes onMatthew 27:27;Philippians 1:13.)
Verse 35.- Thy cause forthee, A.V.;also are forare also, A.V.;palace forjudgment hall, A.V.I will hear thy cause;διακούσομαί σου, found only here in the New Testament; but used in the same sense as here for "hearing a cause," inDeuteronomy 1:16,Διακούσατε...καὶ κρίνετε, "Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously," A.V. See alsoJob 9:33,Διακούων ἀναμέσον ἀμφοτέρων, "That might lay his hand upon us both," A.V.,i.e. judge between us.Palace (ἐν τῷπραιτωρίῳ). The praetorium - for it is a Latin word - was originally the proctor's tent in a Roman camp. Thence it came to signify the abode of the chief magistrate in a province, or a king's palace.Herod's palace seems to have been a palace originally built by King Herod, and now used, either as the residence of the procurator or, as the mode of speaking rather indicates, for some public office. (For the use of the wordπραιτώριον,seeMatthew 27:27;John 18:28, 33;John 19:9;Philippians 1:13.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
he said,
ἔφη(ephē)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346:To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.
“I will hear your case
Διακούσομαί(Diakousomai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1251:To hear throughout, of a judicial hearing. Middle voice from dia and akouo; to hear throughout, i.e. Patiently listen.
when
Ὅταν(Hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752:When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.
your
σου(sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
accusers
κατήγοροί(katēgoroi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2725:An accuser, prosecutor. From kata and agora; against one in the assembly, i.e. A complainant at law; specially, Satan.
arrive.”
παραγένωνται(paragenōntai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3854:From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.
Then he ordered that
κελεύσας(keleusas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2753:To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.
[Paul]
αὐτόν(auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
be kept under guard
φυλάσσεσθαι(phylassesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Passive
Strong's 5442:Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.
in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
Herod’s
Ἡρῴδου(Hērōdou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264:Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.
Praetorium.
πραιτωρίῳ(praitōriō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4232:Of Latin origin; the praetorium or governor's courtroom.
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NT Apostles: Acts 23:35 I will hear you fully when your (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
