Acts 24:23
And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Original Language Analysis
διαταξάμενος
he commanded
G1299
διαταξάμενος
he commanded
Strong's:
G1299
Word #:
1 of 20
to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τηρεῖσθαι
to keep
G5083
τηρεῖσθαι
to keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
5 of 20
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον,
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον,
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
7 of 20
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἔχειν
to let him have
G2192
ἔχειν
to let him have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κωλύειν
that he should forbid
G2967
κωλύειν
that he should forbid
Strong's:
G2967
Word #:
13 of 20
to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίων
acquaintance
G2398
ἰδίων
acquaintance
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
15 of 20
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
αὐτῷ
of his
G846
αὐτῷ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 20
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
ὑπηρετεῖν
to minister
G5256
ὑπηρετεῖν
to minister
Strong's:
G5256
Word #:
17 of 20
to be a subordinate, i.e., (by implication) subserve
Cross References
Acts 28:16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.Acts 27:3And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
Historical Context
This custodia libera (free custody) was granted to Roman citizens of good standing awaiting trial. Paul could receive visitors, have personal possessions, and likely write letters - several epistles may date from this period.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize God's provision and use opportunities for ministry even in restrictive circumstances?
- What does this teach about maximizing whatever freedom you have rather than resenting restrictions?
Analysis & Commentary
Felix's order for Paul's custody with 'liberty' (Greek 'anesis,' relaxation) and access to friends shows favorable treatment beyond standard imprisonment. This relative freedom allowed Paul's friends to minister to him, demonstrating God's provision even in confinement. Felix's lenient approach suggests he recognized Paul's innocence but lacked courage to release him.