Acts 23:33
Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμόνι
to the governor
G2232
ἡγεμόνι
to the governor
Strong's:
G2232
Word #:
11 of 16
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
παρέστησαν
presented
G3936
παρέστησαν
presented
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
12 of 16
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Felix's governorship (AD 52-60) was marked by corruption and brutal suppression of Jewish unrest. However, his commitment to Roman legal procedures would work in Paul's favor despite his character flaws.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you trust God's providence when authority shifts from one system to another?
- What does this teach about how God uses even corrupt officials when they follow just procedures?
Analysis & Commentary
The formal delivery of both Paul and the letter to Felix follows proper Roman administrative procedure. The governor's receipt of Paul established him under Roman legal protection, removing him from Jewish jurisdiction. This transfer represented a crucial shift in Paul's situation - from religious to civil authority, from mob violence to legal process.