Acts 23:34
New International Version
The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,

New Living Translation
He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered.

English Standard Version
On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

Berean Standard Bible
The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,

Berean Literal Bible
And having read it and having asked what province he is from, and having learned that he is from Cilicia,

King James Bible
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

New King James Version
And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia,

New American Standard Bible
Now when he had read it, he also asked from what province Paul was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

NASB 1995
When he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

NASB 1977
And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was; and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

Legacy Standard Bible
And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

Amplified Bible
After reading the letter, he asked which province Paul was from, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia [an imperial province],

Christian Standard Bible
After he read it, he asked what province he was from. When he learned he was from Cilicia,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After he read it, he asked what province he was from. So when he learned he was from Cilicia,

American Standard Version
And when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when he understood that he was of Cilicia,

Contemporary English Version
The governor read the letter. Then he asked Paul and found out that he was from Cilicia.

English Revised Version
And when he had read it, he asked of what province he was; and when he understood that he was of Cilicia,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After the governor had read the letter, he asked Paul which province he was from. When he found out that Paul was from the province of Cilicia,

Good News Translation
The governor read the letter and asked Paul what province he was from. When he found out that he was from Cilicia,

International Standard Version
After reading the letter, the governor asked which province Paul was from. On learning that he was from Cilicia,

Majority Standard Bible
The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,

NET Bible
When the governor had read the letter, he asked what province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,

New Heart English Bible
When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia,

Weymouth New Testament
Felix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; and being told "from Cilicia,"

World English Bible
When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the governor having read [it], and inquired of what province he is, and understood that [he is] from Cilicia;

Berean Literal Bible
And having read it and having asked what province he is from, and having learned that he is from Cilicia,

Young's Literal Translation
And the governor having read it, and inquired of what province he is, and understood that he is from Cilicia;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the leader having read, and asked of what province he is, and having understood from Cilicia;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had read it, and had asked of what province he was, and understood that he was of Cilicia;

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had read it and had asked which province he was from, realizing that he was from Cilicia, he said:

New American Bible
When he had read it and asked to what province he belonged, and learned that he was from Cilicia,

New Revised Standard Version
On reading the letter, he asked what province he belonged to, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked Paul of what province he was. And when he learned that he was of Ci-li’cia;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he read the letter, he was asking him from which province he was, and when he learned that he was from Qiliqia,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had read the letter, he inquired to what province he belonged. And learning that he was from Cilicia, he said:

Godbey New Testament
And having read, and made inquiry of what jurisdiction,

Haweis New Testament
Then when the governor had read it, and asked of what province he was, and understood he was of Cilicia;

Mace New Testament
The governour having read the letter, ask'd Paul of what province he was, and being inform'd he was of Cilicia, you shall be heard,

Weymouth New Testament
Felix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; and being told "from Cilicia,"

Worrell New Testament
And, having read it, he asked of what province he was. And, learning that he was from Cilicia,

Worsley New Testament
And when the governor had read the letter, and asked of what province he was; being informed that he was of Cilicia, he said,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Sent to Felix
33When the horsemen arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium.…

Cross References
Acts 21:39
But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

Acts 25:1-12
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, / where the chief priests and Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged Festus / to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. ...

Acts 9:11
“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

Acts 26:1-32
Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, / especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. ...

Acts 28:17-20
After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. / They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. / But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. ...

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 24:1-27
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. ...

Acts 27:1-2
When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. / We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

Acts 18:12-17
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. / “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said. / But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. ...

Acts 16:37-39
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” / So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. / They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.

Acts 13:4-12
So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. / When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper. / They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, ...

Acts 15:22-29
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers, / 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. / It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said. ...

Acts 11:19-26
Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. / But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. / The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. ...

Acts 14:19-28
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. / But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. / They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ...


Treasury of Scripture

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

he asked.

Acts 25:1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

Esther 1:1
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Cilicia.

Acts 15:41
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Acts 21:39
But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

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Belonged Cilicia Cili'cia Country Eparchy Felix Governor Hearing Inquired Letter Part Province Read Reading Understood
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Belonged Cilicia Cili'cia Country Eparchy Felix Governor Hearing Inquired Letter Part Province Read Reading Understood
Acts 23
1. As Paul pleads his cause,
2. Ananias commands them to strike him.
7. Dissension among his accusers.
11. God encourages him.
14. The Jews' vow to kill Paul,
20. is declared unto the chief captain.
27. He sends him to Felix the governor.














The governor
The term "governor" here refers to the Roman official, likely Antonius Felix, who was the procurator of Judea at the time. In the Roman Empire, governors held significant authority over their provinces, acting as the emperor's representative. This role included maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and administering justice. The Greek word for governor, "ἡγεμών" (hēgemōn), implies leadership and authority, reflecting the power dynamics at play in this narrative. Felix's position underscores the political tension and the precarious situation Paul found himself in, as he navigated the complexities of Roman law and Jewish opposition.

read the letter
The act of reading the letter signifies the formal and bureaucratic nature of Roman governance. Letters, or "ἐπιστολή" (epistolē) in Greek, were crucial for communication across the vast Roman Empire. This particular letter, written by Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, was a legal document explaining the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the charges against him. The reading of the letter indicates a procedural step in the judicial process, highlighting the importance of documentation and due process in Roman law.

and asked
The governor's inquiry demonstrates the procedural diligence expected of Roman officials. The Greek word "ἐπερωτάω" (eperōtaō) suggests a formal questioning or investigation. This reflects the Roman emphasis on thoroughness and fairness in legal matters, as well as the governor's responsibility to ascertain jurisdiction before proceeding with any legal action. It also illustrates the Roman practice of ensuring that legal proceedings were conducted in the appropriate venue.

what province he was from
This question pertains to jurisdiction, a critical aspect of Roman legal proceedings. The Roman Empire was divided into provinces, each with its own administrative and legal systems. By determining Paul's province of origin, the governor could decide whether he had the authority to hear the case or if it should be referred to another jurisdiction. This reflects the structured and organized nature of Roman governance, where legal matters were handled according to established territorial boundaries.

Learning that he was from Cilicia
Cilicia was a Roman province located in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was known for its strategic location and its role as a center of commerce and culture. The mention of Cilicia is significant because it establishes Paul's Roman citizenship, which afforded him certain legal protections and privileges. The Greek term "Κιλικία" (Kilikia) not only identifies Paul's geographical origin but also underscores his dual identity as both a Jew and a Roman citizen. This dual identity plays a crucial role throughout the Acts of the Apostles, as Paul leverages his citizenship to navigate the legal challenges he faces.

(34) He asked of what province he was.--The question was a natural one for a procurator of Judaea to ask as to any prisoner brought before him. (Comp. Pilate's question in Luke 23:6.) It does not appear why Felix was ready to take cognisance of a matter which apparently, to judge by the precedent set by Pilate, belonged to the jurisdiction of another. Perhaps he had no motive for conciliating the favour of the governor of Cilicia, or thought that the nature of the accusation over-ruled the nationality of the accused.

Verse 34. - He for the governor, A.V. and T.R.; it for the fetter, A.V. Province; ἐπαρχία, only here and in Acts 25:1. A general word for a government, most properly applied to an imperial province.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[The governor] read [the letter]
Ἀναγνοὺς (Anagnous)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 314: To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

asked
ἐπερωτήσας (eperōtēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

what
ποίας (poias)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4169: Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.

province
ἐπαρχείας (eparcheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1885: Sphere of duty, province. From a compound of epi and archo; a special region of government, i.e. A Roman pr?Fecture.

[Paul] was
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

from.
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

Learning
πυθόμενος (pythomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4441: To ask, inquire, ascertain by inquiry, understand.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

[he was] from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

Cilicia,
Κιλικίας (Kilikias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2791: Probably of foreign origin; Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor.


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Acts 23:33
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