Acts 23:18-29 in English

¹⁸ So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and saith, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and asked me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say to thee.

¹⁹ And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is it that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul to-morrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him.

²¹ Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee.

²² So the chief captain let the young man go, charging him, Tell no man that thou hast signified these things to me.

²³ And he called unto him two of the centurions, and said, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night:

²⁴ and he bade them provide beasts, that they might set Paul thereon, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

²⁵ And he wrote a letter after this form:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.

²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be slain of them, when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And desiring to know the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him down unto their council:

²⁹ whom I found to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

¹⁸ So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

¹⁹ Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

²¹ But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

²² So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

²³ And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

²⁴ And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

²⁵ And he wrote a letter after this manner:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

²⁷ This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

²⁹ Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

¹⁸ So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and saith, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and asked me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say to thee.

¹⁹ And the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, What is that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul tomorrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him.

²¹ Do not thou therefore yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves under a curse, neither to eat nor to drink till they have slain him: and now are they ready, looking for the promise from thee.

²² So the chief captain let the young man go, charging him, Tell no man that thou hast signified these things to me.

²³ And he called unto him two of the centurions, and said, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night:

²⁴ and he bade them provide beasts, that they might set Paul thereon, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

²⁵ And he wrote a letter after this form:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.

²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be slain of them, when I came upon them with the soldiers, and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And desiring to know the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him down unto their council:

²⁹ whom I found to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

¹⁸ So the officer took Paul's nephew to the commander. The officer said to the commander, “That prisoner, Paul, called me and said, ‘Please take this young man to the commander, because he needs to tell him something important.’ ”

¹⁹ The commander took the young man by the hand, led him off by himself, and asked him, “What do you (sg) need to tell me?”

²⁰ The young man said, “ There are some SYN Jews who have planned to ask you (sg) to bring Paul before their Council tomorrow. They will say that they want to ask him some more questions. But that is not true.

²¹ Do not do what they ask you (sg) to do, because there are more than forty Jewish men who will be hiding and waiting to attack Paul when he passes by on the way to the Council. They even promised/vowed to God that they will not eat or drink anything until they have killed Paul. They are ready to do it, and right now they are waiting for you (sg) to agree to do what they are asking you to do.”

²² The commander said to Paul's young nephew, “Do not tell anyone that you (sg) have told me about their plan.” Then he sent the young man away.

²³ Then the commander called two of his officers and told them, “Get a group of two hundred soldiers ready to travel. Take along seventy soldiers riding horses, and two hundred other soldiers carrying spears. All of you must be ready to leave at nine o'clock tonight, to go down to Caesarea.

²⁴ And take along horses for Paul and those accompanying him to ride, and safely escort him to the palace of Governor Felix.”

²⁵ Then the commander wrote a letter to send to the governor. This is what he wrote:

²⁶ “ I am Claudius Lysias writing to you. You, Felix, are our governor whom we (exc) respect, and I sincerely send you my greetings.

²⁷ I have sent you(sg) this man, Paul, because certain Jews seized him and were about to kill him. But I heard someone tell me that he is a Roman citizen, so I and my soldiers went and rescued him.

²⁸ I wanted to know what those Jews were saying that he had done wrong, so I took him to their Jewish Council.

²⁹ I listened while they asked this man questions and he answered them. The things they accused him about were entirely concerned with their Jewish laws. But Paul has not disobeyed any of our Roman laws. So our officials should not execute him or even put him in prison MTY.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to enquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learnt that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him to the chief captain and said, Paul, the prisoner, made a request to me to take this young man to you, for he has something to say to you.

¹⁹ And the chief took him by the hand and, going on one side, said to him privately, What is it you have to say to me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews are in agreement together to make a request to you for Paul to be taken, on the day after this, into the Sanhedrin, to be questioned in greater detail.

²¹ But do not give way to them, for more than forty of them are waiting for him, having taken an oath not to take food or drink till they have put him to death: and now they are ready, waiting for your order.

²² So the chief captain let the young man go, saying to him, Do not say to anyone that you have given me word of these things.

²³ And he sent for two captains and said, Make ready two hundred men, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, to go to Caesarea, at the third hour of the night:

²⁴ And get beasts so that they may put Paul on them, and take him safely to Felix, the ruler.

²⁵ And he sent a letter in these words:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias, to the most noble ruler, Felix, peace be with you.

²⁷ This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be put to death by them, when I came on them with the army and took him out of danger, having knowledge that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And, desiring to get at the reason for their attack on him, I took him down to their Sanhedrin:

²⁹ Then it became clear to me that it was a question of their law, and that nothing was said against him which might be a reason for prison or death.

¹⁸ He therefore, having taken him with him, led him to the chiliarch, and says, The prisoner Paul called me to him and asked me to lead this youth to thee, who has something to say to thee.

¹⁹ And the chiliarch having taken him by the hand, and having gone apart in private, inquired, What is it that thou hast to report to me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed together to make a request to thee, that thou mayest bring Paul down to-morrow into the council, as about to inquire something more precise concerning him.

²¹ Do not thou then be persuaded by them, for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who have put themselves under a curse neither to eat nor drink till they kill him; and now they are ready waiting the promise from thee.

²² The chiliarch then dismissed the youth, commanding him, Utter to no one that thou hast represented these things to me.

²³ And having called to him certain two of the centurions, he said, Prepare two hundred soldiers that they may go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred light-armed footmen, for the third hour of the night.

²⁴ And he ordered them to provide beasts, that they might set Paul on them and carry him safe through to Felix the governor,

²⁵ having written a letter, couched in this form:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.

²⁷ This man, having been taken by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them, I came up with the military and took out of their hands, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And desiring to know the charge on which they accused him, I brought him down to their council;

²⁹ whom I found to be accused of questions of their law, but to have no charge laid against him making him worthy of death or of bonds.

¹⁸ And he taking him, brought him to the tribune, and said: Paul, the prisoner, desired me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath some thing to say to thee.

¹⁹ And the tribune taking him by the hand, went aside with him privately, and asked him: What is it that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said: The Jews have agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring forth Paul tomorrow into the council, as if they meant to inquire some thing more certain touching him.

²¹ But do not thou give credit to them; for there lie in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound themselves by oath neither to eat, nor to drink, till they have killed him: and they are now ready, looking for a promise from thee.

²² The tribune therefore dismissed the young man, charging him that he should tell no man, that he had made known these things unto him.

²³ Then having called two centurions, he said to them: Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen for the third hour of the night:

²⁴ And provide beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the governor.

²⁵ (For he feared lest perhaps the Jews might take him away by force and kill him, and he should afterwards be slandered, as if he was to take money.) And he wrote a letter after this manner:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor, Felix, greeting.

²⁷ This man being taken by the Jews, and ready to be killed by them, I rescued coming in with an army, understanding that he is a Roman:

²⁸ And meaning to know the cause which they objected unto him, I brought him forth into their council.

²⁹ Whom I found to be accused concerning questions of their law; but having nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bands.

¹⁸ Therefore taking him along, he brought him to the commander and said, “The prisoner Paul, having summoned me, asked me to bring this young man to you, for he has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ And the commander, taking him by his hand, withdrew to a private place and inquired, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that tomorrow you bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin, as though they are going to learn something more accurate concerning him.

²¹ Therefore you must not be persuaded by them; for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves by a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him; and now they are prepared, waiting for the promise from you.”

²² Then the commander dismissed the young man, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have made known these things to me.”

²³ And having summoned two of the centurions he said, “Make ready two hundred soldiers, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, in order that they may go to Caesarea, to leave at the third hour of the night;

²⁴ and place mounts at their disposal, in order that they may put Paul on them, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”

²⁵ And he wrote a letter which contained this content:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ This man, having been arrested by the Jews, was about to be killed by them. I came upon them with the detachment of soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.

²⁸ And desiring to know the cause for which they were accusing him, I took him down to their council;

²⁹ and I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had no accusation against him worthy of death or chains.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ So taking him by the hand, the commander went aside and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ So he said: “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ But you should not believe them, because more than forty of their men are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves with a curse neither to eat not to drink until they have destroyed him; even now they are ready, looking for your promise.”

²² Then the commander dismissed the young man commanding, “Don't tell anyone that you have revealed these things to me!”

²³ Summoning two of the centurions he said: “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night;

²⁴ and provide mounts to set Paul on so as to deliver him safely to Felix, the governor.”

²⁵ He wrote a letter with this content:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them; but I came with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.

²⁸ And wanting to know the reason they were accusing him, I took him down to their council.

²⁹ I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but there was no accusation worthy of death or bonds.

¹⁸ So the centurion took Paul's nephew and brought him to the commander and told him, “The prisoner Paul called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commander took the young man by the hand and drew him aside. “What do you have to tell me?” he asked quietly.

²⁰ “The Jews have arranged to ask you to bring Paul to the council tomorrow, as if they wanted to ask more detailed questions about his case,” he explained.

²¹ “Please don't listen to them, because they have planned to ambush him with more than forty men who have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They're ready right now, waiting for you to agree to the request.”

²² The commander sent the young man on his way, warning him, “Don't tell anyone that you've told me about this.”

²³ He summoned two centurions and told them, “Get two hundred soldiers ready to go to Caesarea, together with seventy cavalry-men and two hundred spearmen. Be ready to leave at nine p.m. tonight.

²⁴ Provide horses for Paul to ride to make sure he gets to Governor Felix safely.”

²⁵ He also wrote a letter that went like this:

²⁶ “From Claudius Lysias to His Excellency Governor Felix, greetings!

²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, when I arrived on the scene with soldiers and rescued him, because I had found out he was a Roman citizen.

²⁸ I wanted to know the reason for their accusations, so I took him before their council.

²⁹ I found out the charges against him had to do with issues regarding their law, but he was not guilty of anything that merited death or imprisonment.

¹⁸ So hee tooke him, and brought him to the chiefe captaine, and saide, Paul the prisoner called mee vnto him, and prayed mee to bring this yong man vnto thee, which hath some thing to say vnto thee.

¹⁹ Then the chiefe captaine tooke him by the hande, and went apart with him alone, and asked him, What hast thou to shewe me?

²⁰ And he saide, The Iewes haue conspired to desire thee, that thou wouldest bring foorth Paul to morow into the Council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly:

²¹ But let them not perswade thee: for there lie in waite for him of them, more then fourtie men, which haue bound themselues with a curse, that they will neither eate nor drinke, till they haue killed him: and nowe are they readie, and waite for thy promise.

²² The chiefe captaine then let the yong man depart, after hee had charged him to vtter it to no man, that he had shewed him these things.

²³ And he called vnto him two certaine Centurions, saying, Make readie two hundred souldiers, that they may go to Cæsarea, and horsemen three score and ten, and two hundred with dartes, at the thirde houre of the night.

²⁴ And let them make readie an horse, that Paul being set on, may be brought safe vnto Felix the Gouernour.

²⁵ And he wrote an epistle in this maner:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias vnto the most noble Gouernour Felix sendeth greeting.

²⁷ As this man was taken of the Iewes, and shoulde haue bene killed of them, I came vpon them with the garison, and rescued him, perceiuing that he was a Romane.

²⁸ And when I would haue knowen the cause, wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their Council.

²⁹ There I perceiued that hee was accused of questions of their Lawe, but had no crime worthy of death, or of bondes.

¹⁸ So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

¹⁹ Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

²¹ But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them moe than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

²² So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

²³ And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

²⁴ and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

²⁵ And he wrote a letter after this manner:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

²⁷ This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

²⁹ whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to thee, as he hath something to say to thee.

¹⁹ Then the chief captain took him by the hand and went aside privately, and asked him, What is it that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul tomorrow into the council, as though thou wert about to inquire more thoroughly concerning him.

²¹ But do not thou yield to them; for there lie in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him; and they are now ready, looking for the promise from thee.

²² The chief captain then dismissed the young man with the charge, Tell no one that thou hast disclosed these things to me.

²³ And he called to him two of the centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night;

²⁴ and provide beasts, whereon they may set Paul, and carry him safe to Felix the governor.

²⁵ And he wrote a letter after this manner:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias to the moss excellent governor Felix, greeting.

²⁷ This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them; but I came upon them with the soldiery, and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And wishing to know the crime of which they accused him, I brought him down to their council;

²⁹ but I found him to be accused only on account of questions of their law, and to have nothing laid to his charge deserving death or bonds.

¹⁸ The captain went with the lad to the commanding officer, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this lad to you, as he has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took the lad by the hand, and, stepping aside, asked what it was he had to tell him.

²⁰ “Some men have agreed,” answered the lad, “to ask you to bring Paul down before the Council tomorrow, on the plea of your making further enquiry into his case.

²¹ But do not let them persuade you, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, who have taken an oath that they will not eat or drink, until they have made away with him; and they are at this very moment in readiness, counting on your promise.”

²² The commanding officer then dismissed the lad, cautioning him not to mention to anybody that he had given him that information.

²³ Then he called two Captains, and ordered them to have two hundred soldiers ready to go to Caesarea, as well as seventy troopers and two hundred lancers, by nine o'clock that night,

²⁴ and to have horses ready for Paul to ride, so that they might take him safely to Felix, the Governor.

²⁵ He also wrote a letter along these lines:

²⁶ ‘Claudius Lysias sends his compliments to His Excellency Felix the Governor.

²⁷ The man whom I send with this had been seized by some Jews, and was on the point of being killed by them, when I came upon them with the force under my command, and rescued him, as I learnt that he was a Roman citizen.

²⁸ Wanting to know exactly the ground of the charges they made against him, I brought him before their Council,

²⁹ when I found that their charges were connected with questions of their own Law, and that there was nothing alleged involving either death or imprisonment.

¹⁸ The captain went with the lad to the commanding officer, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this lad to you, as he has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took the lad by the hand, and, stepping aside, asked what it was he had to tell him.

²⁰ “Some men have agreed,” answered the lad, “to ask you to bring Paul down before the Council tomorrow, on the plea of your making further inquiry into his case.

²¹ But do not let them persuade you, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, who have taken an oath that they will not eat or drink, until they have made away with him; and they are at this very moment in readiness, counting on your promise.”

²² The commanding officer then dismissed the lad, cautioning him not to mention to anybody that he had given him that information.

²³ Then he called two Captains, and ordered them to have two hundred soldiers ready to go to Caesarea, as well as seventy troopers and two hundred lancers, by nine o'clock that night,

²⁴ and to have horses ready for Paul to ride, so that they might take him safely to Felix, the Governor.

²⁵ He also wrote a letter along these lines:

²⁶ ‘Claudius Lysias sends his compliments to His Excellency Felix the Governor.

²⁷ The man whom I send with this had been seized by some Jews, and was on the point of being killed by them, when I came upon them with the force under my command, and rescued him, as I learned that he was a Roman citizen.

²⁸ Wanting to know exactly the ground of the charges they made against him, I brought him before their Council,

²⁹ when I found that their charges were connected with questions of their own Law, and that there was nothing alleged involving either death or imprisonment.

¹⁸ So that soldier took him to his big boss and said, “That prisoner, Paul, called me and asked me to take this young man to you. He has some news to tell you.”

¹⁹ The big boss held the young man’s hand and took him away from the other people, and then he asked him, “What is the news you have for me?”

²⁰ The young man said, “The Jewish leaders will ask you to take Paul to their council place tomorrow. They will tell you they want to ask him some more questions. But that is not true.

²¹ Don’t do what they will ask you to do. There are more than 40 men that will hide beside that road and wait for Paul to come along, so they can grab him and kill him. They even promised God that they will not eat or drink anything until they kill Paul. They are ready right now. They are just waiting for you to agree to do what they want.”

²² The big boss of the soldiers said to the young man, “You can go home now, but don’t tell anyone that you told me this news.”

²³ Then the big boss got 2 other bosses of soldiers and told them, “Get 200 soldiers ready to go north to Caesarea. And get ready 70 soldiers that ride horses to go there with you, and get another 200 soldiers ready, those soldiers that use spears, and they can go with you too. All of you have to be ready to leave at 9 o’clock tonight.

²⁴ And get horses for Paul to ride, and take him to Felix, the governor of this country. He is in the town called Caesarea. Make sure you keep Paul safe.”

²⁵ Then that big boss of the soldiers wrote a letter for them to take with them to that governor of the country. He wrote,

²⁶ “Dear Felix I am Claudius Lysias. I’m writing to your honour, Felix, the governor of this country. I hope you are good and happy.

²⁷ I’m sending this man, Paul, to you. Some Jews grabbed him and they were starting to kill him, but somebody told me that he is a Roman, so I got my soldiers and we saved him.

²⁸ Then I wanted to know about the bad thing those Jews blamed him for, so I took him to their Jewish council.

²⁹ I found out that they only blamed him for things in their Jewish law. He has not broken any of our Roman laws, so it is not right for us to kill him or put him in jail.

¹⁸ And he toke him and sayd: Paul the presoner called me vnto him and prayed me to brige this youge man vnto the which hath a certayne matter to shewe the.

¹⁹ The hye captayne toke him by the hond and wet a parte with him out of the waye: and axed him: what hast thou to saye vnto me?

²⁰ And he sayd: the Iewes are determined to desyre the that thou woldest brynge forth Paul to morowe into the counsell as though they wolde enquyre somwhat of him more parfectly.

²¹ But folowe not their mindes: for ther lyein wayte for him of the moo then .xl. men which have boude the selves with a vowe that they will nether eate ner drinke till they have killed him. And now are they redy and loke for thy promes.

²² The vpper captayne let the yonge man departe and charged: se thou tell it out to no man that thou hast shewed these thinges to me.

²³ And he called vnto him two vnder captaynes sayinge: make redy two hondred soudiers to goo to Cesarea and horsmen threscore and ten and speare men two houndred at the thyrde houre of the nyght.

²⁴ And delyvre them beastes that they maye put Paul on and bringe him safe vnto Felix the hye debite

²⁵ and wrote a letter in this maner.

²⁶ Claudius Lisias vnto the most mighty rular Felix sendeth gretinges.

²⁷ This man was take of the Iewes and shuld have bene killed of them. Then cam I with soudiers and rescued him and perceaved that he was a Romayne.

²⁸ And when I wolde have knowen the cause wherfore they accused him I brought him forth into their consell.

²⁹ There perceaved I that he was accused of questions of their lawe: but was not giltye of eny thinge worthy of deeth or of bondes.

¹⁸ So the centurion took the young man and brought him to the chief captain and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.”

¹⁹ The chief captain took him by the hand to a private place and asked him, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ The young man said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring down Paul tomorrow to the council, as if they were going to ask more precisely about his case.

²¹ But do not give in to them, because there are more than forty men who are lying in wait for him. They have called a curse down on themselves, neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Even now they are ready, waiting for consent from you.”

²² So the chief captain let the young man go, after instructing him, “Tell no one that you have said these things to me.”

²³ Then he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready to go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen also, and two hundred spearmen. You will leave at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He also ordered them to provide animals which Paul could ride, and to take him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ Then he wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent Governor Felix, greetings.

²⁷ This man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, when I came upon them with soldiers and rescued him, since I learned that he was a Roman citizen.

²⁸ I wanted to know why they accused him, so I took him down to their council.

²⁹ I learned that he was being accused about questions concerning their own law, but that there was no accusation against him that deserved death or imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to enquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learnt that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him , and prayed me to bring this young man to thee, who hath something to say to thee.

¹⁹ Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him , What is that thou hast to tell me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring down Paul to-morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat concerning him more perfectly.

²¹ But do not thou yield to them: for there are of them who lie in wait for him more than forty men, who have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now they are ready, looking for a promise from thee.

²² So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him , See thou tell no man that thou hast shown these things to me.

²³ And he called to him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, and seventy horsemen, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

²⁴ And provide for them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the governor.

²⁵ And he wrote a letter after this manner:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, sendeth greeting.

²⁷ This man was taken by the Jews, and would have been killed by them: then I came with a body of soldiers, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And when I would have known the cause for which they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

²⁹ Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death, or of bonds.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Judeans have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Judeans, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

¹⁹ The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

²⁰ He said, “The Judeans have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to enquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

²¹ Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you.”

²² So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”

²³ He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”

²⁴ He asked them to provide mounts, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

²⁵ He wrote a letter like this:

²⁶ “Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

²⁷ “This man was seized by the Judeans, and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learnt that he was a Roman.

²⁸ Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

²⁹ I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

¹⁸ And he took him, and led to the tribune, and said, Paul, that is bound, prayed me to lead to thee this young man, that hath something to speak to thee.

¹⁹ And the tribune took his hand, and went with him asides half, and asked him, What thing is it, that thou hast to show to me?

²⁰ And he said, The Jews be accorded to pray thee, that tomorrow thou bring forth Paul into the council, as if they should inquire something more certainly of him.

²¹ But believe thou not to them; for more than forty men of them ambush him, which have avowed, that they shall neither eat nor drink, till they slay him; and now they be ready, abiding thy promise.

²² Therefore the tribune left the young man, and commanded, that he should speak to no man, that he had made these things known to him.

²³ And he called together two cen-turions, and he said to them, Make ye ready two hundred knights, that they go to Caesarea, and horsemen seventy, and spearmen two hundred, from the third hour of the night.

²⁴ And make ye ready an horse, for Paul to ride on, to lead him safe to Felix, the president. For the tribune dreaded, lest the Jews would take him by the way, and slay him, and afterward he might be challenged, as he had taken money.

²⁵ And He wrote to him an epistle, containing these things.

²⁶ Claudius Lysias to the best Felix, president, health.

²⁷ This man that was taken of the Jews, and began to be slain, I came upon them with mine host, and delivered him from them, when I knew that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And I would know the cause, which they putted against him; and I led him in to the council of them.

²⁹ And I found, that he was accused of questions of their law, but he had no crime worthy the death, either bonds.

¹⁸ And he took him, and led to the tribune, and said, Paul, that is bound, prayed me to lead to thee this young man, that hath something to speak to thee. (And he took him, and brought him to the commander, and said, Paul, who is bound, beseeched me to bring this young man to thee, for he hath something to say to thee.)

¹⁹ And the tribune took his hand, and went with him asides half, and asked him, What thing is it, that thou hast to show to me? (And the commander took his hand, and drew him aside, and asked him, What is it, that thou hast to tell me?)

²⁰ And he said, The Jews be accorded to pray thee (or The Jews be in agreement to beseech thee), that tomorrow thou bring forth Paul into the council, as if they should inquire something more certainly of him.

²¹ But believe thou not to them; for more than forty men of them ambush him, which have avowed, that they shall neither eat nor drink, till they slay him; and now they be ready, abiding thy promise.

²² Therefore the tribune left the young man (or And so the commander let the young man go, or dismissed him), and commanded, that he should speak to no man, that he had made these things known to him.

²³ And he called together two centurions, and he said to them, Make ye ready two hundred knights, that they go to Caesarea, and horsemen seventy, and spearmen two hundred, from the third hour of the night. (And he called together two centurions, and he said to them, Make ready two hundred soldiers, so that they can go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at nine o’clock this evening.)

²⁴ And make ye ready an horse, for Paul to ride on, to lead him safe to Felix, the president. For the tribune dreaded, lest the Jews would take him by the way, and slay him, and afterward he might be challenged, as (if) he had taken money. (And prepare a horse, for Paul to ride on, and lead him safely to Governor Felix. Because the commander feared, that the Jews might take hold of him on the way, and kill him, and afterward he might be challenged, that he had received some money.)

²⁵ And He wrote to him an epistle, containing these things.

²⁶ Claudius Lysias to the best Felix, president, health. (Claudius Lysias to the most excellent Governor Felix, greetings and best wishes.)

²⁷ This man that was taken (hold) of (by) the Jews, and began to be slain, I came upon them with mine host (or I came upon them with my army), and delivered him from them, when I knew that he was a Roman.

²⁸ And I would know the cause, which they putted against him; and I led him in to the council of them (or and I brought him in to their Council).

²⁹ And I found, that he was accused of questions of their law, but he had no crime worthy (of) the death, either (of) bonds (or of bondage, or imprisonment).

¹⁸ He indeed, then, having taken him, brought him unto the chief captain, and saith, 'The prisoner Paul, having called me near, asked me this young man to bring unto thee, having something to say to thee.'

¹⁹ And the chief captain having taken him by the hand, and having withdrawn by themselves, inquired, 'What is that which thou hast to tell me?'

²⁰ and he said — 'The Jews agreed to request thee, that to-morrow to the sanhedrim thou mayest bring down Paul, as being about to enquire something more exactly concerning him;

²¹ thou, therefore, mayest thou not yield to them, for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who did anathematize themselves — not to eat nor to drink till they kill him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from thee.'

²² The chief captain, then, indeed, let the young man go, having charged him to tell no one, 'that these things thou didst shew unto me;'

²³ and having called near a certain two of the centurions, he said, 'Make ready soldiers two hundred, that they may go on unto Caesarea, and horsemen seventy, and spearmen two hundred, from the third hour of the night;

²⁴ beasts also provide, that, having set Paul on, they may bring him safe unto Felix the governor;'

²⁵ he having written a letter after this description:

²⁶ 'Claudius Lysias, to the most noble governor Felix, hail:

²⁷ This man having been taken by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them — having come with the soldiery, I rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman;

²⁸ and, intending to know the cause for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their sanhedrim,

²⁹ whom I found accused concerning questions of their law, and having no accusation worthy of death or bonds;