Acts 23:28

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

and since I wanted to understand their charges against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

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

Douay-Rheims 1899

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

Free Bible Version

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

Geneva Bible 1599

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

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Plain English Version

Then I wanted to know about the bad thing those Jews blamed him for, so I took him to their Leaders Council.

Translation for Translators

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

Unlocked Literal Bible

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

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

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

Young's Literal Translation

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

Context

Paul Sent to Felix

²⁷This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,²⁸and since I wanted to understand their charges against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin.²⁹I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.

Summary

In Acts 23:28, we see the Roman commander Claudius Lysias writing a letter to Governor Felix, explaining the circumstances surrounding Paul's arrest. This letter serves as a formal report detailing the accusations against Paul and the commander's intervention to prevent his unjust treatment by the Jewish council. It reveals the political and legal complexities of the situation, highlighting the Roman authorities' role in maintaining order and justice in the region. The letter also underscores Paul's Roman citizenship, which affords him certain legal protections and rights under Roman law. Overall, this verse provides insight into the historical context and legal proceedings surrounding Paul's imprisonment and trial.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And when it was told me,.... As it was by Paul's sister's son, how that the Jews laid wait for the man; had formed a conspiracy to take away his life, and laid a scheme in order to it, and at least intended, if they were not actually in ambush, to seize him as he should be brought from the castle to the sanhedrim: I sent straightway to thee; the prisoner Paul, under a guard of soldiers; this he did directly, as soon as ever he heard of the design of the Jews; and he sent him to Felix, as being governor, to whom the judgment of this affair properly belonged, and who was best qualified for it, at least in the chief captain's account; and who doubtless consulted his own honour and safety, lest he should incur blame and disgrace, should a Roman have been slain through any neglect or want of care in him: and gave commandment to his accusers also, to say before thee what they had against him; it is reasonable to conclude, that he said nothing of this to them, though he might have determined he would, till after Paul was sent away; otherwise the affair would have been discovered, which he desired might be concealed: farewell; which is the conclusion of the epistle, and is a wish of health and happiness.