Lysias, also known as 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 chiliarch, or chief captain, commanding a cohort of Roman soldiers stationed in Jerusalem. His role was crucial during the turbulent period of early Christianity, as he was responsible for maintaining order in a city fraught with religious and political tensions.

Background and Role

Lysias is introduced in the biblical narrative during the Apostle Paul's arrest in Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, Lysias had purchased his citizenship, a fact he reveals in Acts 22:28: "The commander answered, 'I paid a high price for my citizenship.' 'But I was born a citizen,' Paul replied." This exchange highlights the social and legal dynamics of Roman citizenship, which afforded certain protections and privileges, a theme that becomes significant in Paul's interactions with Roman authorities.

Intervention in Paul's Arrest

Lysias first appears in Acts 21:31-32, when a riot breaks out in the temple area due to accusations against Paul. The text states, "While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman cohort received the report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Immediately he took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd." Lysias's swift intervention prevented Paul's lynching by the mob, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining public order and the rule of law.

Paul's Defense and Roman Citizenship

After rescuing Paul, Lysias sought to understand the cause of the uproar. Acts 21:33-34 records, "The commander came up and arrested him and ordered that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done." Unable to ascertain the truth due to the chaotic scene, Lysias decided to take Paul into the barracks for further questioning.

The following day, Lysias ordered the Sanhedrin to convene, hoping to clarify the accusations against Paul (Acts 22:30). During this period, Paul revealed his Roman citizenship, prompting Lysias to reconsider his approach. Acts 22:29 notes, "Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains."

Transfer to Caesarea

Lysias's involvement with Paul continued as a plot to kill the apostle was uncovered. In Acts 23:12-22, Paul's nephew informed him of the conspiracy, which Paul then relayed to Lysias. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Lysias arranged for Paul's transfer to Governor Felix in Caesarea, ensuring his safety. Acts 23:23-24 details the precautions taken: "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.'"

Letter to Governor Felix

Lysias also composed a letter to accompany Paul, explaining the circumstances of his arrest and the lack of evidence for any crime deserving death or imprisonment. Acts 23:26-30 includes this correspondence, which begins, "Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen."

Significance

Lysias's actions underscore the complexities of Roman governance in Judea and the protections afforded by Roman citizenship. His interactions with Paul highlight the legal and social frameworks of the time, as well as the providential care over the early Christian movement. Through Lysias's intervention, Paul was able to continue his mission, ultimately appealing to Caesar and spreading the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire.Acts 24:7,22
But the chief captain Lysias came on us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... a reign the precedent which Simon, the Captain of the ... But his successor, or rather
Lysias, who administered the ... Phinehas' (Sot.22 b). But of chief interest to ...
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