Paul Is Sent To Governor Felix
PAUL IS SENT TO GOVERNOR FELIX
ACTS 23:23-35
God was looking after his servant Paul, even though it was in strange ways.
The counter-plan, devised to foil the conspiracy of murder, was to abduct Paul by night from Jerusalem to Caesarea (23:23-24). A formidable bodyguard of foot soldiers, cavalry and light-armed troops was detailed to escort the prisoner on the way to Felix, the Roman procurator at Caesarea, the headquarters of Roman authority in Palestine.
Lysias wrote a covering letter (23:26-30). The commentators, impressed by the realistic style of writing, wonder if Luke had actually seen a copy of this letter. Certainly it bears the imprint of what a Roman official may well say in such circumstances, including a touch of embellishment (23:27) designed to enhance his own reputation for prompt and decisive action. Strictly, Lysias did not learn of Paul’s Roman status until later than the time of the arrest, and his motive in rescuing Paul was hardly that of verse 27! He tactfully omits an incident which had clearly embarrassed him (22:24-26)!
The apostle was ushered into the presence of Felix, whose predecessor in the governor’s office—Pilate—is well known. Felix’s term began in AD 52, and was marked with uprisings and fierce countermeasures. As a result of one such commotion and its harsh treatment by Felix (24:27), he was recalled. A contemporary historian sums up his character: “he exercised the power of a king with the mind of a slave.” Luke is more kindly in his record (especially 24:22-23), but picks out some basic flaws in his character (24:26-27).
Notes 23:23: about 9:30 p.m. From the size of the escort, it is clear that Lysias was taking no more chances. Contrast Ezra 8:22. 23:24: the plural “mounts” (horses or mules) implies that Paul had his friends, including Luke, with him—cf. 24:23. 23:26: a title of respect, also given to Luke’s first reader (Luke 1:3). 23:34: a similar question, put for purposes of identification, was asked concerning the Lord at his trial (Luke 23:6-7). 23:35: Paul spent two years at the official residence of the governor, built by Herod the Great, hence the name.
To think over Letter-writing is a revelation of character. How does Lysias’ character shine through his letter to Felix?