Acts 23:34
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμὼν,
when the governor
G2232
ἡγεμὼν,
when the governor
Strong's:
G2232
Word #:
4 of 15
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ποίας
what
G4169
ποίας
what
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
8 of 15
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
ἐπαρχίας
province
G1885
ἐπαρχίας
province
Strong's:
G1885
Word #:
9 of 15
a special region of government, i.e., a roman praefecture
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πυθόμενος
when he understood
G4441
πυθόμενος
when he understood
Strong's:
G4441
Word #:
12 of 15
to question, i.e., ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from g2065, which properly means a request as a favor;
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Historical Context
Roman law carefully defined provincial jurisdictions. Felix's inquiry followed proper protocol for determining whether to hear the case or transfer it to Paul's home province's governor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God work through complex administrative systems to ensure His servants receive appropriate treatment?
- What does this teach about the importance of understanding legal rights and procedures in serving God's purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Felix's question about Paul's province determined legal jurisdiction. Discovering Paul was from Cilicia (under Syrian provincial governance) meant Felix could legally hear the case, as Judean governors handled cases from nearby provinces. This detail shows Luke's accurate knowledge of Roman administrative law and how God arranged proper legal jurisdiction for Paul's defense.