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, also known as a chiliarch, which means he was a commander of a cohort, typically consisting of about 600 soldiers. His full name, as recorded in Acts, is Claudius Lysias, indicating that he was a Roman citizen, likely having acquired his citizenship through service or purchase, as was common in the Roman Empire.

Biblical Account:

Lysias plays a significant role in the events surrounding the Apostle Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem. His actions are recorded in Acts 21-24. When a riot broke out in the temple due to accusations against Paul, Lysias intervened to prevent the mob from killing him. The account in Acts 21:31-32 states, "As they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman cohort received the report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Immediately he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul."

Lysias initially misunderstood the situation, suspecting Paul to be an Egyptian revolutionary (Acts 21:38). However, upon learning that Paul was a Roman citizen, he took measures to ensure his safety and legal rights. Acts 22:25-29 describes how Lysias ordered Paul to be flogged for interrogation, but upon discovering Paul’s citizenship, he refrained from doing so, fearing the repercussions of unlawfully punishing a Roman citizen.

Lysias’s concern for maintaining order and justice is further demonstrated when he arranges for Paul to be sent to the governor Felix in Caesarea to ensure a fair trial. In Acts 23:23-24, Lysias orders a detachment of soldiers to escort Paul safely, "Then he called two of his centurions and said, 'Prepare a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Governor Felix.'"

Historical and Cultural Context:

Lysias’s actions reflect the Roman emphasis on law and order, as well as the privileges associated with Roman citizenship. His intervention in Paul’s case highlights the complexities faced by early Christians who navigated both Jewish and Roman legal systems. The Roman military presence in Judea was a stabilizing force, tasked with maintaining peace in a region often fraught with tension between various ethnic and religious groups.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Lysias’s involvement in Paul’s life underscores the providential care of God in the protection and spread of the Gospel. Despite the hostility Paul faced, God used Roman authority to preserve his life and mission. Lysias, though a pagan Roman officer, unwittingly became an instrument in God’s plan, ensuring that Paul could continue his ministry and eventually reach Rome, as was his desire (Acts 19:21).

Lysias’s account serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over human affairs, using even those outside the faith to accomplish His purposes. His actions, recorded in Scripture, provide insight into the legal and social dynamics of the time, illustrating the challenges and protections afforded to early Christians within the Roman Empire.Lys'ias (2 Occurrences)

Acts 23:26
Claudius Lysias, to the most noble governor Felix, hail:
(See RSV)

Acts 24:22
And having heard these things, Felix delayed them -- having known more exactly of the things concerning the way -- saying, 'When Lysias the chief captain may come down, I will know fully the things concerning you;'
(See RSV)

Lys'ias (2 Occurrences)
Lys'ias. Lysias, Lys'ias. Lysimachus . Multi-Version Concordance
Lys'ias (2 Occurrences). Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, to the most ...
/l/lys'ias.htm - 6k

Lysias (3 Occurrences)

/l/lysias.htm - 12k

Lysimachus

/l/lysimachus.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus