Bible Strands
Acts 24:23
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Felix, having adjourned the hearing after acknowledging his knowledge of the Way, instructs the centurion regarding Paul’s custody before the commander Lysias arrives.
The words — διαταξάμενος (diataxamenos) indicates the formal act of issuing a command, while τηρεῖσθαι (tēreisthai) specifies the duty of maintaining watch or guard over the prisoner.
The thread — This measured custody reappears in Acts 27:3 and Acts 28:16, and the underlying theme of peace prevailing over opposition aligns with Proverbs 16:7.
Why it lands — It demands recognition that judicial restraint and provision create the necessary conditions for sustained witness rather than mere confinement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 27:3 The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him to visit his friends and receive their care.
- Acts 28:16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
- Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
- Acts 21:8 Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven.
- Acts 23:16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
- Acts 23:35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.
- Acts 24:26 At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.
- Acts 28:31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.