He ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to serve him or to visit him.
Parallel translations
- KJV And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
- BSB He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.
- NKJV So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.
- NASB He gave orders to the centurion for Paul to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from providing for his needs.
- NLT He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Felix orders the centurion to keep Paul in custody but with privileges, allowing his friends to care for him. Paul is detained yet treated with relative leniency.
Overview
Recognizing Paul's innocence, Felix grants him a measure of freedom and access to his companions, easing his imprisonment. This kindness allowed friends and fellow believers to minister to him during the long detention. The arrangement shows God providing for his servant even in chains, sustaining him through the fellowship of the church.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Acts 28:16When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
- Acts 27:3The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
- Acts 21:8–14On the next day, we, who were Paul’s companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
- Acts 24:26Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.
- Acts 28:31preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
- Acts 23:16But Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.
- Acts 23:35“I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive.” He commanded that he be kept in Herod’s palace.
- Prov 16:7When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
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Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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