Acts 23:24
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
Original Language Analysis
παραστῆσαι
provide
G3936
παραστῆσαι
provide
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
3 of 12
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
7 of 12
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
διασώσωσιν
and bring him safe
G1295
διασώσωσιν
and bring him safe
Strong's:
G1295
Word #:
8 of 12
to save thoroughly, i.e., (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 12
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Acts 25:14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:Acts 23:26Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.Acts 24:10Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
Historical Context
Felix governed Judea AD 52-60, known for corruption but also for maintaining order. Caesarea was the Roman administrative capital, offering proper legal proceedings unavailable in Jerusalem's hostile religious environment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize God's providence in circumstances that move you from hostile to more favorable environments?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty in arranging venues and authorities for His servants' protection?
Analysis & Commentary
The provision of 'beasts' (plural) for Paul suggests pack animals for supplies plus mounts for Paul and companions, showing respect for his Roman citizenship. The destination - Felix the governor at Caesarea - represented proper jurisdiction for a Roman citizen's case. God's providence moved Paul from the volatile Jerusalem situation to a venue where civil law would prevail over mob violence.