Acts 23:16-33

16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, 1and he came and entered 2the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the 3commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and led him to the 4commander and said, “Paul 5the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19The 6commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “7The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to 8the 9Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21So do not 10listen to them, for more than forty of them are 11lying in wait for him who have 12bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22So the 13commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.” 23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by 14the third hour of the night to proceed to 15Caesarea, 16with seventy horsemen and two hundred 17spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to 18Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter having this form:

26“Claudius Lysias, to the 19most excellent governor Felix, 20greetings.

27When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, 21I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, 22having learned that he was a Roman. 28And 23wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I 24brought him down to their 2526Council; 29and I found him to be accused over 27questions about their Law, but 28under 29no accusation deserving death or 30imprisonment.

30When I was 31informed that there would be 32a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing 33his accusers to 34bring charges against him before you.”

31So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But the next day, leaving 35the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to 36the barracks. 33When these had come to 37Caesarea and delivered the letter to 38the governor, they also presented Paul to him.