ACC ~ Acts 23 v23 - 35

OVERVIEW:

Most modern commentators remark on the size of the force sent to accompany Paul, and they wonder how Luke could have access to the litterae dimissoriae which, according to Roman law, must be sent from an official to a superior when there is an appeal. They answer these questions variously. In regard to the first question they point to the danger because of the recent turmoil stirred up in connection with Paul; in regard to the second, most presume Luke is composing according to the model of such form letters. The point of the passage is to state clearly that Paul is considered innocent by the Roman authority. It also makes a subtle allusion to the irony of people who want to accuse Paul of infidelity to the law and are yet willing to contravene one of its most sacred commandments in murdering him. Chrysostom, our one patristic source here, compares Paul’s situation with Jesus’ before Pilate. He then lays out the pattern of events: a handing over for condemnation that is subverted in the proclamation of the accused’s innocence. Chrysostom’s implications are clear: here we have the form of Christ’s passion, with the exception that this time it is not through resurrection that vindication had to be known but rather through the proper application of imperial law.

23:30 | Sent at Once

THE ROLE PLAYED BY OUTSIDERS. CHRYSOSTOM: See how Paul is reckoned innocent through the vote of the foreigners, like Christ with Pilate. See how their evil intentions are defeated: they handed him over, so that he might be killed and condemned, but the opposite happened, and he was saved and found innocent. If things did not go this way, [Paul] would have been torn into pieces, would have perished, would have been condemned. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 23.28-30.