Lexical Summary Lusias: Lysias Original Word: Λυσίας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Lysias. Of uncertain affinity; Lysias, a Roman -- Lysias. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Lysias, a Rom. NASB Translation Lysias (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3079: ΛυσίαςΛυσίας, Λυσίου, ὁ (Claudius) Lysias, a Roman chiliarch (A. V. 'chief captain'): Acts 23:26; Acts 24:7 (Rec.),22. (B. D. American edition, under the word.) Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Background Claudius Lysias served as a Roman chiliarch (commander of a cohort) stationed at the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem during the governorship of Antonius Felix. His double name reflects his purchase of Roman citizenship during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a common practice that conferred legal privileges and social standing (compare Acts 22:28). As commander, Lysias wielded broad military and judicial authority within the volatile province of Judea, tasked with keeping public order and reporting to the provincial governor in Caesarea. Biblical Narrative Overview 1. Paul’s Arrest and Initial Rescue (Acts 21:27–36; 22:24–30) A riot erupts in the temple. Lysias intervenes with soldiers, pulls Paul from the mob, and has him bound for examination. Upon learning of Paul’s Roman citizenship, he withdraws the order for scourging. Seeking clarity, Lysias convenes the Sanhedrin. The meeting devolves into violence, prompting the commander to extract Paul once more. Forty conspirators vow to kill Paul. Informed by Paul’s nephew, Lysias mobilizes an escort of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, sending Paul safely by night to Governor Felix with an explanatory letter: “Claudius Lysias, to His Excellency Governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen.” (Acts 23:26-27) Paul’s accusers mention Lysias’ role as proof of due Roman process, and Felix defers further judgment until the commander can testify. Role in Paul’s Legal Proceedings • Protector of Legal Rights: By honoring Paul’s citizenship, Lysias exemplified the Roman ideal of equal justice under law. Character and Actions • Pragmatic yet Fair: Though he initially ordered flogging, he quickly corrected course upon learning Paul’s status. Theological and Ministry Implications • Divine Sovereignty over Civil Powers: Lysias, an unbelieving officer, becomes an instrument ensuring Paul reaches Rome, fulfilling the Lord’s promise: “Take courage, for as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Lessons for Disciples Today • Respect rightful authority while remaining bold for Christ (Romans 13:1-4). Related Scriptures Acts 21:27–40; Acts 22:24-30; Acts 23:1-35; Acts 24:1-27; Romans 13:1-4; Ephesians 2:14-18; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Forms and Transliterations Λυσιας Λυσίας Lusias Lysias LysíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 23:26 N-NMSGRK: Κλαύδιος Λυσίας τῷ κρατίστῳ NAS: Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent KJV: Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent INT: Claudius Lysias to the most excellent Acts 24:7 Noun-NMS Acts 24:22 N-NMS |