Acts 23:35
I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
Original Language Analysis
Διακούσομαί
I will hear
G1251
Διακούσομαί
I will hear
Strong's:
G1251
Word #:
1 of 18
to hear throughout, i.e., patiently listen (to a prisoner's plea)
ἔφη
said he
G5346
ἔφη
said he
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
3 of 18
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
4 of 18
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατήγοροί
accusers
G2725
κατήγοροί
accusers
Strong's:
G2725
Word #:
7 of 18
against one in the assembly, i.e., a complainant at law; specially, satan
παραγένωνται·
are
G3854
παραγένωνται·
are
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
9 of 18
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πραιτωρίῳ
judgment hall
G4232
πραιτωρίῳ
judgment hall
Strong's:
G4232
Word #:
15 of 18
the praetorium or governor's courtroom (sometimes including the whole edifice and camp)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 23:30And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.Acts 25:16To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.Matthew 27:27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.Acts 24:19Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.Acts 24:1And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.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:Acts 24:22And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.Matthew 2:3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Matthew 2:16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.John 18:28Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
Historical Context
Herod's praetorium, built by Herod the Great, served as the Roman governor's official residence and judgment hall in Caesarea. Paul's custody there offered security and relative comfort compared to prison.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you recognize God's provision even when circumstances remain difficult or restrictive?
- What does this teach about trusting God's purposes through legal processes rather than seeking escape from all difficulty?
Analysis & Commentary
Felix's promise to hear Paul 'when thine accusers are also come' ensured proper judicial process. The command to keep Paul 'in Herod's judgment hall' provided secure custody in the palace complex. Though imprisoned, Paul now had Roman legal protection and proper venue for defense, demonstrating how God's providence can improve circumstances even within restrictions.