Topical Encyclopedia Lysias Claudius, often referred to simply as Lysias, was a Roman military tribune and commander of the cohort in Jerusalem during the time of the Apostle Paul. His role is primarily documented in the Acts of the Apostles, where he is depicted as a key figure in the events surrounding Paul's arrest and subsequent trials.Biblical Account Lysias first appears in Acts 21:31-40, where he intervenes during a tumultuous scene at the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews had seized Paul, accusing him of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into its inner courts. As the mob sought to kill Paul, news of the uproar reached Lysias, who was responsible for maintaining order in the city. He quickly took soldiers and centurions to the scene, rescuing Paul from the crowd. Lysias initially mistook Paul for an Egyptian revolutionary but allowed him to speak upon realizing his Roman citizenship. In Acts 22:24-29, Lysias orders Paul to be flogged for interrogation, a common Roman practice to extract information. However, Paul reveals his Roman citizenship, prompting Lysias to halt the proceedings immediately. Roman law prohibited the scourging of a Roman citizen without a trial, and Lysias, fearing repercussions, became more cautious in his handling of Paul. Lysias's involvement continues in Acts 23:10-35, where he learns of a plot by more than forty Jews to assassinate Paul. To protect him, Lysias orders a detachment of soldiers to escort Paul safely to Governor Felix in Caesarea. In his letter to Felix, Lysias outlines the situation, emphasizing that Paul was accused over questions of Jewish law but had committed no crime deserving death or imprisonment (Acts 23:29, BSB). Historical Context Lysias's actions reflect the complexities of Roman governance in Judea, a region fraught with religious and political tensions. As a Roman tribune, Lysias was tasked with maintaining peace and order, often navigating between the demands of Roman law and the sensitivities of Jewish customs. His decision to protect Paul, a Roman citizen, underscores the privileges and protections afforded by Roman citizenship, which played a crucial role in Paul's legal defense. Character and Legacy Lysias is portrayed as a pragmatic and somewhat cautious figure. His swift response to the riot in Jerusalem and his subsequent actions to protect Paul demonstrate his commitment to law and order. While his initial misunderstanding of Paul's identity and intentions highlights the challenges faced by Roman officials in Judea, his respect for Roman legal procedures is evident. Lysias's interactions with Paul provide valuable insights into the legal and social dynamics of the early Christian period. His role in safeguarding Paul allowed the apostle to continue his mission, ultimately leading to Paul's journey to Rome, where he would further spread the Gospel. References in Scripture · Acts 21:31-40 · Acts 22:24-29 · Acts 23:10-35 Smith's Bible Dictionary Lysias Claudiusa chief captain of the band, that is, tribune of the Roman cohort who rescued St. Paul from the hands of the infuriated mob at Jerusalem, and sent him under a guard to Felix, the governor or proconsul of Caesarea. (Acts 21:31) seq.; Acts 23:26; 24:7 (A.D. 55.) 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 Christian Cemeteries. Acts XXV Paul a Prisoner Paul in the Temple Acts XXIII Paul's Missionary Labors. Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Acts XXVII Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World Resources What are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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