Acts 23:26-30
 
Acts 23:26 (KJB)
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
 
Since there were many tribunes stationed in Judaea, Claudius Lysias begins his letter with his identification and sending greetings to the Governor. This is a lost art to send a letter to someone with the author’s name at the top instead of at the bottom. Caludius was his Roman name and Lysias was a Greek name common in Syria.
 
Acts 23:27 (KJB)
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.
 
The tribune then begins the explanation of how Paul came to stand before Felix. He explains to Felix that Paul was apprehended by the Jews and in their hatred for him wanted to kill him. Then he explains how he intervened with an army of soldiers to extract Paul from the hands of the crowd. Here Lysias makes himself out to be a hero by lying concerning Paul. He states that he rescued Paul because he knew that he was a Roman. However, Lysias learned of Paul’s Roman citizenship when he was about to have him scourged and Paul told the Centurion who told him. I guess he thought that the contents of his letter would never become known or he tried to make points with the Governor.
 
Acts 23:28 (KJB)
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
 
Then he explains that he wanted to find out the reason why there was such a commotion concerning Paul so he brought Paul before the Sanhedrin to gain answers. He did not jump to any conclusions but wanted to find out the truth concerning him.
 
Acts 23:29 (KJB)
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.
 
Then Lysias explains to Felix that it seems that the commotion was concerning questions about their law and nothing of a criminal nature. Therefore, Paul did not deserve to be in any type of bonds and certainly nothing worthy of being put to death. This letter was not just one of introduction but was considered an official report to the Governor that Paul was innocent of any type of criminal activities or any sedition against Rome.
 
Acts 23:30 (KJB)
And 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.
 
Then Lysias explains to Felix how he heard about the plot the forty plus men made for the purpose of killing Paul. This triggered Lysias to immediately give Paul protection and to bring him to the Governor. He then told the accusers of Paul that they too were invited to bring their accusations against Paul in the presence of Felix. By Lysias notifying the Sanhedrin to bring their accusations against Paul to Felix, it also notified them that Paul was now out of their jurisdiction and beyond their ability to kill him, and thus the plot was foiled.

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