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Act 23:23 And he called for two centurions, saying, "Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy
horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night;

The captain’s plan to take Paul safely to Caesarea included 200 infantry, 70 Calvary, and 200
armed guards (470 total for Paul’s protection). They will escort Paul at the third hour of the
night (9:00 p.m.). Two centurions are sent, one for the infantry and one for the Calvary and
armed guards. The armed guards and infantry lead Paul past the point of greatest danger. The
Calvary takes Paul the rest of the way into Caesarea (verses 30-32).

Act 23:24 and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor."

They provide an animal for Paul to ride to arrive safely to meet Felix, the governor. This is only
a six-mile ride, but Paul must be bound safely for trials because he is innocent until proven
guilty.

At this time, Caesarea is run by Felix. At one time, he had been a slave, and though he rose in
the Roman government, Felix still thought like a slave and corrupts the government throughout
the reign of Claudius and Nero. He is money-mad and would take a bribe from Paul to free him,
but Paul will appeal to Caesar.

A LETTER TO FELIX (25-35)

The chief captain writes a letter to Felix explaining the events surrounding Paul’s arrest and his
reason for delivering Paul to him. Both the letter and Paul are safely delivered to Felix.

Act 23:25 He wrote a letter in the following manner:

Act 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

Act 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with
the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

Act 23:28 And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their
council.

Act 23:29 I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing
charged against him deserving of death or chains.

Act 23:30 And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him
immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against
him. Farewell.

Act 23:31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to
Antipatris.
Paul and the troops spend the first night in Antipatris, a city named for Herod’s father
Antipater.