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Paul had been nearly torn to pieces during his trial before the Sanhedrin, but he was saved by a Roman commander. Still, the Jews’ desire for his death was not over. Forty of them made a solemn oath not to eat until they killed Paul (14). Paul’s nephew overheard the plot and was able to get word to Paul (16). As a prisoner, Paul had no choice but to entrust his life to the hands of the Roman commander Lysias.
Paul’s faith was not misplaced. Lysias took the threat seriously, evidenced by mobilizing nearly half his 1,000 soldier cohort to accompany Paul that night to Caesarea. In Governor Felix’s care, he was safe and placed under guard. Instead of a jail, he was kept in Herod’s palace as he awaited his trial.
Along with Paul, Lysias sent a letter explaining his situation. Lysias gives his opinion that Paul had done nothing wrong (29), a sentiment that would follow Paul all his journey to Rome as a prisoner (25:25; 26:31). Since he was innocent, why was he on trial and headed for Rome? It was to fulfill Jesus’ vision that Paul would testify about Jesus in Rome (23:11). The road ahead would be full of danger and stress, but this word of Jesus would give Paul hope and direction through it all.
Dec 1, 2025
PAUL’S DANGEROUS ROAD TO ROME
Passage: Acts 23:12-35
Key verse: 29
NIV
chapter 23
12. The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
13. More than forty men were involved in this plot.
14. They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.
15. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here."
16. But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
17. Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him."
18. So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."
19. The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"
20. He said: "Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him.
21. Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request."
22. The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: "Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me."
23. Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.
24. Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."
25. He wrote a letter as follows:
26. Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
27. This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen.
28. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.
29. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.
30. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
31. So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris.
32. The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks.
33. When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him.
34. The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,
35. he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, I like to be in control of my life, but I often am not. Like Paul, help me to trust you, reach out to others, and hold to your word fully.
One Word: Trust Jesus’ plan in dangerous times