Claudius Lysias

Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander in Jerusalem, rescued Paul from a Jewish mob and sent him to Felix.

Claudius Lysias was a Roman tribune (commander) stationed in Jerusalem during the time of Paul's arrest (Act 23:26). When Paul was attacked by a Jewish mob in the temple, Lysias intervened with his soldiers and took Paul into custody (Act 21:30-33). Upon learning of a plot to kill Paul, Lysias arranged for him to be transferred to Caesarea under armed guard to appear before Felix, the governor (Act 23:12-35). In his letter to Felix, Lysias explained the circumstances of Paul's arrest and his decision to send him to the governor for judgment (Act 23:26-30). Lysias admitted that he had initially arrested Paul thinking he was a rebel, but later learned that the charges against him were related to Jewish religious disputes (Act 23:28-29). Lysias' actions demonstrate his commitment to maintaining order and ensuring that Paul received a fair trial under Roman law. His letter to Felix also serves as an official record of the events surrounding Paul's arrest and transfer to Caesarea.

Claudius Lysias, a Greek who, having obtained by purchase the privilege of Roman citizenship, took the name of Claudius (Acts 21:31-40; 22:28; 23:26).