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Acts 23:26

Acts 23:26 in Multiple Translations

Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix, greeting.

Claudius Lysias, to the most noble ruler, Felix, peace be with you.

“From Claudius Lysias to His Excellency Governor Felix, greetings!

Claudius Lysias vnto the most noble Gouernour Felix sendeth greeting.

'Claudius Lysias, to the most noble governor Felix, hail:

“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, sendeth greeting.

Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor, Felix, greeting.

“I am Claudius Lysias writing to you. You, Felix, are our governor whom we (exc) respect, and I sincerely send you my greetings.

“Dear Felix, I am Claudius Lisias. I’m writing to you, Felix. You are the government boss over this country, and I respect you. I hope you are good and happy.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 23:26

BAB
Word Study

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Acts 23:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK κλαυδιος λυσιας τω κρατιστω ηγεμονι φηλικι χαιρειν
κλαυδιος Klaudios G2804 Claudius Noun-NSM
λυσιας Lusias G3079 Lysias Noun-NSM
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM
κρατιστω kratistos G2903 excellent Adj-DSM-S
ηγεμονι hēgemōn G2232 ruler Noun-DSM
φηλικι Phēlix G5344 Felix Noun-DSM
χαιρειν chairō G5463 to rejoice Verb-PAN
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 23:26

κλαυδιος Klaudios G2804 "Claudius" Noun-NSM
Claudius was a Roman emperor and also the name of a military tribune mentioned in Acts 11:28 and 18:2. He is referenced in the Bible as a key figure during the time of Jesus and the apostles. Claudius played a significant role in the early Christian church.
Definition: Κλαύδιος, -ου, ὁ Claudius; __1. the Emperor: Act.11:28 18:2. __2. A military tribune, C. Lysias: Act.23:26.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Claudius See also: Acts 11:28; Acts 18:2; Acts 23:26.
λυσιας Lusias G3079 "Lysias" Noun-NSM
Lysias was a Roman official who sent a letter about Paul to Governor Felix, as seen in Acts 23:26 and 24:7. He played a significant role in the early Christian story. Lysias is mentioned in the book of Acts.
Definition: Λυσίας, -ου, ὁ Lysias (Claudius L., Act.23:26), Act.24:7, 22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Lysias See also: Acts 23:26; Acts 24:22.
τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κρατιστω kratistos G2903 "excellent" Adj-DSM-S
In the Bible, this word means excellent or noble, used to show great respect, as in Luke 1:3 and Acts 23:26. It describes someone of high dignity and honor. The word is used as a title of respect.
Definition: κράτιστος, -η, -ον superl, of κρατύς (Hom.), __1. strongest, mightiest (Hom.). __2. noblest, best (cf. κρείσσων), most excellent (find., Soph., al.): voc., κρατίστε, as title of honour and respect (DCG, ii, 727a), Luk.1:3, Act.23:26 24:3 26:25.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: most excellent (noble) See also: Acts 23:26; Acts 26:25; Luke 1:3.
ηγεμονι hēgemōn G2232 "ruler" Noun-DSM
This word refers to a high-ranking official, such as a governor or leader of a province. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the Roman rulers of Judea, like Pontius Pilate in Matthew 27:2 and Luke 20:20.
Definition: ἡγεμών, -όνος, ὁ (ἡγέομαι) [in LXX for אַלּוּף, שַׂר, etc. ;] __1. a leader, guide. __2. a commander. __3. a governor of a province (pro­consul, proprietor, legate, or procurator; but cf. ἀνθύπατος): Mat.10:18, Mrk.13:9, Luk.21:12, 1Pe.2:14; of the Procurator of Judæa, Mat.27:2, 11 27:14-15, 21 27:27 28:14, Luk.20:20, Act.23:24, 26 23:33 24:1, 10 26:30. __4. For Heb. אַלְפֵי (LXX, χίλιαι) misread אַלֻּפֵי, leaders: Mat.2:6 (OT).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: governor, prince, ruler See also: 1 Peter 2:14; Mark 13:9; Matthew 28:14.
φηλικι Phēlix G5344 "Felix" Noun-DSM
Felix, a Roman procurator of Judea, is mentioned in Acts 23:24 and 24:3. His name means happy or lucky.
Definition: φῆλιξ (L, Φή-), -ικος, ὁ Felix, procurator of Judæa: Act.23:24, 26 24:3, 22 24:24-25, 27 25:14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: Felix See also: Acts 23:24; Acts 24:24; Acts 25:14.
χαιρειν chairō G5463 "to rejoice" Verb-PAN
To rejoice means to feel happy and glad, like the disciples in Mark 14:11. It can also be used as a greeting, wishing someone well and farewell.
Definition: χαίρω [in LXX for שָׂמַח (Gen.45:16, al.), גִּיל (Pro.2:14, al.), etc.; inf., as greeting (see infr.), Isa.48:22 57:21 שָׁלוֹם), 1Ma.10:18, 2Ma.1:1 and frequently in these books ;] __1. to rejoice, be glad: Mrk.14:11, Luk.15:5, 32 19:6, 37 22:5 23:8, Jhn.8:56 20:20, Act.5:41 8:39 11:23 13:48, 2Co.6:10 7:7 13:9, Php.2:17, 28, Col.2:5, 1Th.5:16, 1Pe.4:13, 3Jn.3; χ. καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθαι, Mat.5:12; κ. σκιρτᾶν, Luk.6:23; opposite to κλαίειν, Rom.12:15, 1Co.7:30; to κλαίειν κ. θρηνεῖν Jhn.16:20; to λύπην ἔχειν, Jhn.16:22; with cogn. accusative, χ. χαρὰν μεγάλην, Mat.2:10; χαρᾷ χ. (B1., § 38, 3; Dalman, Words, 34 f.), Jhn.3:29; ἡ χαρὰ ᾗ χαίρομεν, 1Th.3:9; with prep. (Bl., 38, 2), ἐπί, with dative (simple dative in cl.), Mat.18:13, Luk.1:14 13:17, Act.15:31, Rom.16:19, 1Co.13:6 16:17, 2Co.7:13, Rev.11:10; διά, Jhn.3:29 11:15, 1Th.3:9; ἐν, Php.1:18; ἀπό, 2Co.2:3; with accusative (Dem.), Php.2:18; before ὅτι, Jhn.14:28, 2Co.7:9 7:16, 2Jn.4; ἐν τούτῳ ὅτι, Luk.10:20; with dative, Rom.12:1; ἐν κυρίῳ, Php.4:10 __2. In salutations, imperat., χαῖρε, χαίρετε, __(a) at meeting, hail: Mat.26:49 27:29, Mrk.15:18, Luk.1:28, Jhn.19:3; pl., Mat.28:9; so χχαίρειν λέγω, to give greeting, II Jn 11; in letters, χαίρειν (sc. λέγει; 81, 1), greeting: Act.15:23 23:26 Jas.1:1; __(b) at parting, farewell: 2Co.13:11; __(with) on other occasions, be of good cheer: ἐν κυρίῳ, Php.3:1 4:4 (cf. συν-χαίρω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy(- fully), rejoice See also: 1 Corinthians 7:30; John 16:22; 1 Peter 4:13.

Study Notes — Acts 23:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 15:23 and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
2 Acts 26:25 But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
3 Luke 1:3 Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 Acts 24:3 In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.
5 3 John 1:14 Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.
6 James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.

Acts 23:26 Summary

This verse is a formal greeting from Claudius Lysias, a Roman commander, to Governor Felix, showing respect and courtesy. It's like saying 'Dear Sir' or 'To Whom It May Concern' in a letter today. Just like we're taught to be respectful in our communications, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, Claudius Lysias is being polite and professional in his letter to the governor. By doing so, he's following the principles of respect and kindness found in the Bible, such as in 1 Peter 2:13-14, and setting a good example for us to follow in our own interactions with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Claudius Lysias addressing Governor Felix as 'His Excellency'?

This title shows respect and acknowledges the governor's high rank and authority, similar to how we see respect shown to those in authority in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14.

Who is Claudius Lysias and why is he writing to Governor Felix?

Claudius Lysias is the Roman commander who rescued Paul from the Jews, as seen in Acts 23:27, and he is writing to inform Governor Felix about the situation and transfer Paul to his jurisdiction, as instructed in Acts 23:24-25.

What can we learn from the formal greeting in this verse?

The formal greeting in Acts 23:26 teaches us about the importance of respect and courtesy, even in official communications, reflecting the principles found in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6.

How does this verse fit into the larger story of Paul's life and ministry?

This verse is part of the narrative of Paul's arrest and trial, which ultimately leads to his testimony before King Agrippa, as recorded in Acts 25:23-26:32, and demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways we can show respect to those in authority, as Claudius Lysias does in this verse?
  2. How can we balance the need to follow rules and procedures with the need to show compassion and kindness, as seen in Claudius Lysias' actions towards Paul?
  3. In what ways can we, like Claudius Lysias, be instruments of God's providence and protection in the lives of others?
  4. What can we learn from the way Claudius Lysias takes initiative to protect Paul and ensure his safety, and how can we apply this to our own lives and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 23:26

Claudius Lysias, unto the most excellent Governor Felix,.... This is the inscription of the letter, and by it we learn the name of the chief captain, so often spoken of in this and the two preceding

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 23:26

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. Claudius Lysias - the former was the Roman name he would take on purchasing his citizenship, the latter his Greek family name,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 23:26

Most excellent; a title given to persons of great eminency, as, , it is given to Theophilus, unto whom also this book of the Acts is inscribed, . This Felix was brother to one Pallas, who together with Narcissus (the other of the emperor Claudius’ s favourites) managed all public affairs, and are by the historians branded for all the mischiefs of that calamitous time. This Felix and his brother Pallas were born slaves, and manumitted by Claudius, and were such as are exalted; as often Providence will show the power it hath in pulling down and setting up whom it pleaseth.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 23:26

26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. Ver. 26. Unto the most excellent] Felix was (as likewise Haman) of base birth, but highly advanced in court by means of his brother Pallas, a great favourite of Nero’ s, insomuch as he became husband to three queens successively, as Suetonius writeth. He cruelly killed Jonathan the Jewish priest, and committed many other outrages in this province; so that being complained about at Rome, he had been put to death, but for the greatness of his brother, who begged his pardon. (Josephus.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 23:26

(26) Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix.—The letter may have been sent unsealed, or a copy of it may have been given to St. Paul or St. Luke after his arrival. What we have obviously purports to be a verbal reproduction of it. We note (1) that the epithet “most excellent” is that which St. Luke uses of Theophilus, to whom he dedicates both the Gospel and the Acts (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1), and (2) that the formal salutation, “greeting,” is the same as that used in the letter of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:23) and in the Epistle of St. James (James 1:1).

Cambridge Bible on Acts 23:26

26–30. Letter of Claudius Lysias to Felix26. the most excellent governor] The title “most excellent” is that which is given by St Luke at the beginning of his Gospel to the Theophilus for whom he wrote it. Hence it is probable that Theophilus held some official position, it may be under the Romans in Macedonia, where St Luke remained for some time and where he may probably have written his gospel.sendeth greeting] The Rev. Ver. omits the first word. The original has only the infinitive “to rejoice” which is of course governed by some word indicating a wish, i.e. = “biddeth to rejoice,” “wisheth joy.”

Barnes' Notes on Acts 23:26

Unto the most excellent governor Felix - The most honored, etc. This was a mere title of office. Greeting - A term of salutation in an epistle wishing health, joy, and prosperity.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 23:26

26. Claudius Lysias—The name Lysias, which is here first given, intimates that he was a Greek; the name Claudius is Latin, assumed, perhaps, after he had bought his Roman citizenship “for a great

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