Acts 23:22
So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
So
G3303
μὲν
So
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
G5506
χιλίαρχος
the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
4 of 15
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
ἀπέλυσεν
depart
G630
ἀπέλυσεν
depart
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
5 of 15
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραγγείλας
and charged
G3853
παραγγείλας
and charged
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
8 of 15
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐνεφάνισας
thou hast shewed
G1718
ἐνεφάνισας
thou hast shewed
Strong's:
G1718
Word #:
13 of 15
to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)
Historical Context
Roman military protocol emphasized secrecy in tactical operations. Lysias commanded 1,000 troops in Jerusalem's garrison and bore responsibility for civil order. His protective custody of Paul balanced Jewish appeasement with Roman justice.
Questions for Reflection
- When does godly wisdom require confidentiality rather than immediate disclosure?
- How did God use a pagan commander's sense of justice to preserve Paul for gospel ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
Claudius Lysias charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me—the Greek medeni eklaleo (μηδενὶ ἐκλαλήσῃς) means 'tell absolutely no one.' This operational security protected both Paul and the rescue plan from compromise. The commander's swift, decisive action reveals Roman military efficiency and his growing conviction that Paul deserved protection. His confidential treatment of the informant shows administrative wisdom—premature disclosure would have doomed the rescue.