3079. Lusias

Lexical Summary

Lusias: Lysias

Original Word: Λυσίας
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Lusias
Pronunciation: loo-see'-as
Phonetic Spelling: (loo-see'-as)
KJV: Lysias
NASB: Lysias
Word Origin: [of uncertain affinity]

1. Lysias, a Roman

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Lysias.

Of uncertain affinity; Lysias, a Roman -- Lysias.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Lysias, a Rom.
NASB Translation
Lysias (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3079: Λυσίας

Λυσίας, 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.
2. Meeting of the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30–23:10)

Seeking clarity, Lysias convenes the Sanhedrin. The meeting devolves into violence, prompting the commander to extract Paul once more.
3. Plot Exposed and Transfer to Caesarea (Acts 23:12–35)

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)
4. Subsequent References (Acts 24:7, 22)

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.
• Conduit to Higher Authorities: His letter frames Paul’s case in terms of public order rather than theological dispute, paving the way for hearings before Felix, Festus, and ultimately Caesar (Acts 25:11-12).
• Strategic Decision-Maker: The heavily armed escort demonstrates Rome’s capacity to quell local plots, preserving imperial peace (Pax Romana) and, providentially, advancing the gospel.

Character and Actions

• Pragmatic yet Fair: Though he initially ordered flogging, he quickly corrected course upon learning Paul’s status.
• Courageous Administrator: Deploying nearly half of his cohort for a nighttime march to Caesarea risked weakening Jerusalem’s garrison but prioritized justice and security.
• Politically Astute: His letter subtly portrays himself as proactive while omitting that he almost violated a Roman’s rights, an understandable self-preserving nuance in official correspondence.

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)
• Legitimate Use of Legal Privileges: Paul’s appeal to citizenship validates wise engagement with secular systems for gospel progress.
• Foreshadowing Universal Mission: A Gentile officer safeguards a Jewish apostle, illustrating the breaking down of barriers as foretold in Ephesians 2:14-18.

Lessons for Disciples Today

• Respect rightful authority while remaining bold for Christ (Romans 13:1-4).
• Invoke lawful protections when they advance ministry without compromising witness.
• Trust God to marshal unexpected allies in accomplishing His purposes.

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 Lysías

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 23:26 N-NMS
GRK: 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
GRK: παρελθὼν δὲ Λυσίας ὁ χιλιαρχος
KJV: the chief captain Lysias came
INT: having come up however Lysias the chief captain

Acts 24:22 N-NMS
GRK: εἴπας Ὅταν Λυσίας ὁ χιλίαρχος
NAS: When Lysias the commander
KJV: When Lysias the chief captain
INT: having said When Lysias the chief captain

Strong's Greek 3079
3 Occurrences

Λυσίας — 3 Occ.