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.

◄ Acts 24:23 ►

New International Version
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

New Living Translation
He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.

English Standard Version
Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Literal Bible
having commanded the centurion to keep him and to let him have ease and not to forbid his own to minister to him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.

New American Standard Bible
He gave orders to the centurion for Paul to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from providing for his needs.

NASB 1995
Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

NASB 1977
And he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some rest, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

Amplified Bible
Then he ordered the centurion to keep Paul in custody, but to let him have some freedom, and [he told the centurion] not to stop any of his friends from providing for his needs.

Christian Standard Bible
He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him.

American Standard Version
And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.

Contemporary English Version
He then ordered the army officer to keep Paul under guard, but not to lock him up or to stop his friends from helping him.

English Revised Version
And he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Felix ordered the sergeant to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and to let his friends take care of his needs.

Good News Translation
He ordered the officer in charge of Paul to keep him under guard, but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to provide for his needs.

International Standard Version
He ordered the centurion to guard Paul but to let him have some freedom and not to keep any of his friends from caring for his needs.

Majority Standard Bible
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to come and minister to his needs.

NET Bible
He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to let him have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs.

New Heart English Bible
He ordered the centurion that he should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 to him.

Weymouth New Testament
And he gave orders to the Captain that Paul was to be kept in custody, but be treated with indulgence, and that his personal friends were not to be prevented from showing him kindness.

World English Bible
He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
having also given a direction to the centurion to keep Paul, to let [him] also have liberty, and to forbid none of his own friends to minister or to come near to him.

Berean Literal Bible
having commanded the centurion to keep him and to let him have ease and not to forbid his own to minister to him.

Young's Literal Translation
having given also a direction to the centurion to keep Paul, to let him also have liberty, and to forbid none of his own friends to minister or to come near to him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having appointed a centurion to keep Paul, and to have a setting at liberty, and to hinder none of his own to serve or come to him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he commanded a centurion to keep him, and that he should be easy, and that he should not prohibit any of his friends to minister unto him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he ordered a centurion to guard him, and to take rest, and not to prohibit any of his own from ministering to him.

New American Bible
He gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from caring for his needs.

New Revised Standard Version
Then he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody, but to let him have some liberty and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul in comfort, and that none of his acquaintances should be prevented from ministering to him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Centurion ordered to guard Paulus at ease and that no one of his acquaintances would be forbidden to minister to him.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And he commanded the centurion to keep him under guard, and to relax the rigor of his confinement, and to forbid no one of his friends to minister or to come to him.

Godbey New Testament
having commanded the centurion to keep him, and let him have liberty, and prohibit no one of his friends from ministering unto him.

Haweis New Testament
And he commanded the centurion that Paul should be safe kept, yet have no close confinement, and not to hinder any of his friends from supplying his wants, or visiting him.

Mace New Testament
Felix then order'd a centurion to take Paul into his custody, without confining him so as to hinder his friends from waiting upon him.

Weymouth New Testament
And he gave orders to the Captain that Paul was to be kept in custody, but be treated with indulgence, and that his personal friends were not to be prevented from showing him kindness.

Worrell New Testament
giving orders to the centurion that he should be held, and should have indulgence, and to prevent none of his friends from ministering to him.

Worsley New Testament
And he commanded the centurion to keep Paul secure, and to let him have some liberty, and to hinder none of his friends from assisting him or coming to him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Verdict Postponed
22Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.” 23He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs. 24After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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 25:4
But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.

Acts 28:16
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Acts 16:24
On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Acts 21:33
The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.

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 12:6
On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison.

Acts 5:18-19
and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. / But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

Acts 21:39
But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

Acts 22:30
The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

Acts 26:32
And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

Acts 28:30-31
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. / Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Treasury of Scripture

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 to him.

and to.

Acts 24:26
He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

Acts 27:3
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

Acts 28:16,31
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him…

his.

Acts 21:8-14
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him…

Jump to Previous

Acquaintance Attending Captain Centurion Charge Commanded Control Custody Forbid Freedom Friends Guard Hinder Indulgence Kept Kindness Liberty Minister Ministering Need Needs Order Ordered Ordering Orders Paul Permit Personal Prevented Privileges Serve Showing Treated Visit

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Acts 24

1. Paul being accused by Tertullus the orator,
10. answers for his life and doctrine.
24. He preaches Christ to the governor and his wife.
26. The governor hopes for a bribe, but in vain.
27. Felix, succeeded by Festus, leaves Paul in prison.

Berean Study Bible

He ordered the centurion
The term "centurion" refers to a Roman officer in charge of approximately one hundred soldiers. The centurion was a key figure in maintaining Roman order and discipline. In the context of Acts, the centurion's role is significant as it demonstrates the Roman authority's involvement in Paul's situation. Historically, centurions were known for their leadership and reliability, often being the backbone of the Roman military. This highlights the seriousness with which the Roman authorities were treating Paul's case, ensuring that a trusted officer was responsible for his custody.

to keep Paul under guard
The phrase "under guard" indicates that Paul was not free to leave, reflecting the legal and political complexities of his situation. The Greek word used here, "phulassō," implies protection as well as custody, suggesting that while Paul was a prisoner, there was also an element of safeguarding his person. This duality of meaning can be seen as a metaphor for God's providence, where even in confinement, Paul was under divine protection, fulfilling God's purpose for him to testify in Rome.

but to allow him some freedom
The "freedom" granted to Paul, despite being a prisoner, is noteworthy. The Greek word "anesis" conveys a sense of relief or relaxation from strict confinement. This reflects the Roman practice of granting certain privileges to prisoners who were not considered a threat. From a theological perspective, this freedom can be seen as God's grace at work, allowing Paul to continue his ministry even in chains. It serves as a reminder that God's work is not hindered by human limitations.

and permit his friends to visit
The permission for Paul's "friends to visit" underscores the importance of Christian fellowship and support. The Greek term "epitrepo" suggests a deliberate allowance, indicating that the authorities recognized the value of community for Paul. This provision not only met Paul's physical and emotional needs but also facilitated the spread of the Gospel, as his friends could carry messages and teachings to the early Christian communities. It highlights the early Church's commitment to mutual support and the power of community in sustaining faith.

and minister to his needs
The phrase "minister to his needs" reflects the practical and spiritual care provided by Paul's companions. The Greek word "diakoneō" is the root for "deacon," implying service and assistance. This service was likely multifaceted, addressing both physical necessities and spiritual encouragement. Historically, this reflects the early Christian practice of diakonia, or service, as a fundamental expression of faith. It serves as an inspirational model for the Church today, emphasizing the call to serve one another in love and meet the needs of those who are suffering or in distress.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(23) And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul.--More accurately, the centurion--either the officer in whose custody he had been placed by Lysias, or the one who had the special charge of the prisoners waiting for trial. The favourable impression made on Felix is shown by the unusual leniency with which the prisoner was treated. The attribute of "clemency," on which the orator had complimented Felix, was not altogether dead, but it was shown to the accused and not to the accusers.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 23. - Gave order to the for commanded a, A.V.; that he should be kept in charge for to keep Paul, A.V. and T.R.; and should have indulgence for and to let him have liberty, A.V.; not to forbid any of his friends for that he should forbid none of his acquaintance, A.V.; to minister unto him for to minister or come unto him, A.V. and T.R. Indulgence (ἄνεσις); literally, relaxation, viz. of the prison restraints and confinement. The word is used in the LXX. of 2 Chronicles 23:15, ἔδωκαν αὐτῃ ἄνεσιν, i.e. those who had taken Athaliah prisoner, "let her loose" till she got out of the temple court. It is also a common medical term for the cessation or remission of pain or disease. St. Paul uses it four times in his Epistles for "rest" or "ease" (2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 8:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7). Doubtless St. Luke was thus enabled to be much with St. Paul during his imprison merit, and, as suggested above, to have his help in writing his Gospel.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

He ordered
διαταξάμενος (diataxamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1299: To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

centurion
ἑκατοντάρχῃ (hekatontarchē)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1543: A centurion of the Roman army. Or hekatontarchos hek-at-on'-tar-khos; from hekaton and archo; the captain of one hundred men.

to keep [Paul] under guard,
τηρεῖσθαι (tēreisthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

[but]
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

to allow him
ἔχειν (echein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

some freedom
ἄνεσιν (anesin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 425: Relief, remission, indulgence, freedom, rest. From aniemi; relaxation or relief.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

permit
κωλύειν (kōlyein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[friends]
ἰδίων (idiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

to minister
ὑπηρετεῖν (hypēretein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5256: To minister to, serve. From huperetes; to be a subordinate, i.e. subserve.

to his [needs].
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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NT Apostles: Acts 24:23 He ordered the centurion that Paul should (Acts of the Apostles Ac)