What is the meaning of Acts 23:22? So the commander dismissed the young man – The “commander” is Claudius Lysias, the Roman chiliarch in charge of Paul’s custody (Acts 21:31–33). – By dismissing the young man immediately after hearing the assassination plot (Acts 23:12–15), Lysias demonstrates decisive leadership, reminiscent of Pharaoh’s daughter acting quickly to save baby Moses (Exodus 2:5–10) and the centurion safeguarding Paul during the shipwreck (Acts 27:42–43). – God often works through governing authorities to preserve His servants (Romans 13:1–4; Daniel 6:14–16). – Practical takeaway: prompt obedience to truth received protects life and advances God’s plan. and instructed him – Lysias personally issues the direction, showing he values the young man’s testimony and safety. – Similar individual instructions to protect witnesses appear when Rahab receives the spies’ charge to remain silent (Joshua 2:14–20) and when Jesus guides those He heals to discreet action (Mark 5:43). – Leadership bears responsibility for the vulnerable; the shepherding theme echoes 1 Peter 5:2–3. “Do not tell anyone – Secrecy is not deceit in this context but strategic stewardship. – Proverbs 11:13 praises keeping confidences, while Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds there is “a time to be silent.” – Silence prevents the conspirators from realizing their plot is known, paralleling Nehemiah’s guarded plans (Nehemiah 2:11–16) and Esther’s concealment of identity until the right moment (Esther 2:10; 7:3–6). – Spiritual application: discretion safeguards God’s work against premature exposure to hostile forces (Matthew 10:16). that you have reported this to me.” – Lysias accepts full responsibility; the young man’s role ends with the report. – Contrast Saul’s attempt to shift blame (1 Samuel 15:24) with Lysias’s accountability. – By securing a military escort for Paul (Acts 23:23–24), Lysias ensures the plot is thwarted, fulfilling Christ’s earlier promise that Paul would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11; cf. Acts 19:21). – The scene underscores God’s sovereignty: unseen plots cannot overturn His declared purpose (Psalm 33:10–11; Isaiah 54:17). summary Acts 23:22 shows a Roman commander acting swiftly and wisely to protect both the informer and Paul. His dismissal, instruction, and command for secrecy reveal God’s providential use of civil authority, the value of discreet obedience, and the certainty that divine purposes stand despite human conspiracy. |
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