Acts 23:31
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
στρατιῶται
the soldiers
G4757
στρατιῶται
the soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
4 of 18
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
κατὰ
as
G2596
κατὰ
as
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διατεταγμένον
it was commanded
G1299
διατεταγμένον
it was commanded
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
7 of 18
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
11 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἤγαγον
and brought
G71
ἤγαγον
and brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
διὰ
him by
G1223
διὰ
him by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴς
G3588
τὴς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Antipatris, rebuilt by Herod the Great, served as a military way-station between Jerusalem and Caesarea. Reaching it by dawn required departing Jerusalem around 9 PM and maintaining steady march pace.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God used other people's professional competence and discipline to accomplish His purposes in your life?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty over timing and logistics in protecting His servants?
Analysis & Commentary
The soldiers' rapid nighttime march - reaching Antipatris (about 40 miles) by morning - demonstrates Roman military efficiency and the urgency of protecting Paul. The Greek emphasizes they acted 'according to their orders,' showing disciplined obedience. God's providence used Roman military precision to spirit Paul away from danger during darkness.