Acts 23:28
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
Original Language Analysis
γνῶναι
have known
G1097
γνῶναι
have known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 15
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰτίαν
the cause
G156
αἰτίαν
the cause
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
5 of 15
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
δι'
G1223
δι'
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἣν
wherefore
G3739
ἣν
wherefore
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐνεκάλουν
they accused
G1458
ἐνεκάλουν
they accused
Strong's:
G1458
Word #:
8 of 15
to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Roman governors preferred delegating religious disputes to local authorities. Lysias' action reflects standard provincial administration—investigate first, intervene only when necessary to maintain order or protect Roman citizens.
Questions for Reflection
- How should authorities balance respect for local customs with protection of justice?
- What does Lysias' investigative approach teach about gathering facts before rendering judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
Lysias reports I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, using epignonai (ἐπιγνῶναι)—to know thoroughly or investigate. The phrase I brought him forth into their council reveals the commander's attempt to resolve the matter through Jewish channels before assuming jurisdiction. This demonstrates Roman policy of respecting local governance where possible. Lysias' investigation methodology—allowing the Sanhedrin hearing—shows administrative prudence, though it nearly cost Paul his life (Acts 23:10). The commander's report frames Paul's case as an internal Jewish dispute, not Roman criminality.