Topical Encyclopedia Claudius Lysias was a Roman military officer mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. He held the position of a tribune, or chiliarch, which means he was in command of a cohort, typically consisting of about 600 soldiers. His role is significant in the narrative of the Apostle Paul's arrest and subsequent trials.Background and Role: Claudius Lysias is introduced in Acts 21:31-40, during a tumultuous period in Jerusalem. The city was a melting pot of religious and political tensions, and Lysias was responsible for maintaining order. His name suggests he was a Greek by birth who acquired Roman citizenship, likely through purchase, as was common for those seeking to advance in the Roman military hierarchy. Interaction with Paul: Lysias first appears when Paul is seized by a mob in the temple, accused of defiling it by bringing Gentiles into the sacred area (Acts 21:27-30). The uproar prompts Lysias to intervene with his soldiers to prevent Paul from being killed. He initially misunderstands the situation, suspecting Paul to be an Egyptian revolutionary (Acts 21:38). However, upon learning that Paul is a Roman citizen, Lysias' approach changes significantly. Roman Citizenship and Legal Proceedings: The fact that Paul was a Roman citizen is crucial in his interactions with Lysias. Roman citizenship conferred specific legal protections, including the right to a fair trial and exemption from degrading punishments like scourging without a trial. In Acts 22:25-29, when Paul reveals his citizenship, Lysias is alarmed, realizing the potential repercussions of having bound a Roman citizen without due process. Lysias' respect for Roman law is further demonstrated when he arranges for Paul to address the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, in an attempt to ascertain the charges against him (Acts 22:30). This action underscores Lysias' commitment to justice and his duty to uphold Roman legal standards. Transfer to Caesarea: As tensions escalate, Lysias learns of a plot to assassinate Paul. In Acts 23:12-22, Paul's nephew informs him of the conspiracy, prompting Lysias to act swiftly. He arranges for Paul to be transferred under heavy guard to Governor Felix in Caesarea, ensuring his safety and the continuation of legal proceedings (Acts 23:23-24). Lysias' letter to Felix, recorded in Acts 23:26-30, outlines the situation and his actions, reflecting his administrative competence and adherence to protocol. Significance: Claudius Lysias plays a pivotal role in the protection and legal journey of the Apostle Paul. His actions highlight the complexities of Roman governance in Judea and the interplay between Roman and Jewish authorities. Lysias' respect for Roman citizenship and legal rights serves as a testament to the structured legal system of the Roman Empire, which, in this instance, provided a measure of protection for Paul amidst the volatile environment of first-century Jerusalem. Biblical References: · Acts 21:31-40 · Acts 22:25-30 · Acts 23:12-30 Claudius Lysias' involvement in the events surrounding Paul underscores the providential care and legal mechanisms that facilitated the spread of the Gospel, even amidst opposition and misunderstanding. His actions, recorded in the Book of Acts, provide insight into the historical and legal context of the early Christian movement. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Claudius LysiasCLAUDIUS LYSIAS klo'-di-us lis'-i-as (Klaudios Lysias): A chief captain who intervened when the Jews sought to do violence to Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 21:31; Acts 24:22). Lysias, who was probably a Greek by birth (compare Acts 21:37), and who had probably assumed the Roman forename Claudius (Acts 23:26) when he purchased the citizenship (Acts 22:28), was a military tribune or chiliarch (i.e. leader of 1,000 men) in command of the garrison stationed in the castle overlooking the temple at Jerusalem. Upon learning of the riot instigated by the Asiatic Jews, he hastened down with his soldiers, and succeeded in rescuing Paul from the hands of the mob. As Paul was the apparent malefactor, Lysias bound him with two chains, and demanded to know who he was, and what was the cause of the disturbance. Failing amid the general tumult to get any satisfactory reply, he conducted Paul to the castle, and there questioned him as to whether he was the "Egyptian," an postor that had lately been defeated by Felix (Josephus, BJ, II, xiii, 5; Ant, XX, viii, 6). Upon receiving the answer of Paul that he was a "Jew of Tarsus," he gave him permission to address the people from the stairs which connected the castle and the temple. As the speech of Paul had no pacifying effect, Lysias purposed examining him by scourging; but on learning that his prisoner was a Roman citizen, he desisted from the attempt and released him from his bonds. The meeting of the Sanhedrin which Lysias then summoned also ended in an uproar, and having rescued Paul with difficulty he conducted him back to the castle. The news of the plot against the life of one whom he now knew to be a Roman citizen decided for Lysias that he could not hope to cope alone with so grave a situation. He therefore dispatched Paul under the protection of a bodyguard to Felix at Caesarea, along with a letter explaining the circumstances (Acts 23:26-30. The genuineness of this letter has been questioned by some, but without sufficient reason.) In this letter he took care to safeguard his own conduct, and to shield his hastiness in binding Paul. There is evidence (compare Acts 24:22) that Lysias was also summoned to Caesarea at a later date to give his testimony, but no mention is made of his arrival there. It is probable, however, that he was among the chief captains who attended the trial of Paul before King Agrippa and Festus (compare Acts 25:22). For the reference to him in the speech of Tertullus (see Acts 24:7 the Revised Version, margin), see TERTULLUS. Smith's Bible Dictionary Claudius LysiasATS Bible Dictionary Claudius LysiasSee LYSIAS. Greek 3079. Lusias -- Lysias, a Roman ... Lysias, a Roman. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Lusias Phonetic Spelling: (loo-see'-as) Short Definition: Claudius Lysias Definition: Claudius ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3079.htm - 6k 2804. Klaudios -- Claudius, the name of an Emperor, also an army ... Library The Trial at Caesarea Paul a Prisoner Acts XXV Christian Cemeteries. Acts XXVII Paul's Missionary Labors. Paul in the Temple Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World Acts XXIII Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Resources What is the origin of Valentine's Day, and should Christians celebrate it? | GotQuestions.orgWhat influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nero? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |