he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "I will give you a hearing" here suggests a full and proper examination of Paul's case, not just a preliminary one. This deliberate delay shows Roman justice, however imperfect, was supposed to be thorough, and Paul was granted a higher standard of detention in Herod's palace rather than a common jail.
he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a violent confrontation in Jerusalem and a plot against Paul's life, the Roman commander Claudius Lysias sends Paul under heavy guard to the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. Upon Paul's arrival, Felix reads Lysias's letter, which vouches for Paul and explains the commander's actions, and then agrees to hear Paul's case once his accusers arrive, ordering him to be held in Herod's former palace.
Felix promises Paul he'll hear his case. But what does 'hearing' really mean in this context?
Felix uses the Greek word for a 'thorough hearing' – it signifies a full, complete, and attentive examination of a case, not just a quick, preliminary chat. This implies a commitment to due process, where both sides get to present their arguments.
Think of it like this:
It's a promise of legal fairness, even to a prisoner.
Paul isn't thrown into a common dungeon. He's placed in 'Herod's praetorium.' What does this place signify?
The 'praetorium' wasn't just any jail. It was the official residence and administrative headquarters of the Roman governor, likely a substantial building originally built by Herod the Great. For a prisoner like Paul, being held here meant:
Ask a follow-up
A Roman governor, motivated by political expediency, makes a decision. How is this part of God's bigger plan?
It's easy to see Felix's decision as purely political – he wants to appease the Jews and avoid trouble, while also giving Paul a fair (though delayed) hearing as a Roman citizen. However, Scripture reveals a deeper truth.
Understand the original words
katēgoroi · Greek Noun
One who brings charges or allegations against another in a legal proceeding. In the biblical narrative, accusers often represent those who oppose the gospel or seek to suppress the message of Christ through institutional or social pressure.
praitōrion · Greek Noun
An official residence, headquarters, or palace used by a Roman governor. The term originally referred to the general's tent in a Roman camp but evolved to designate the grand administrative residences where Roman authority was exercised.
Felix's decision to keep Paul in Herod's praetorium reflects both Roman judicial procedure, which required accusers to be present, and the political maneuvering of the time, with governors eager to maintain favor in Rome.
c. 20-19 BC
Herod the Great builds his palace in Caesarea
Herod the Great constructs a magnificent palace in Caesarea Maritima, which later becomes the official residence of the Roman governors of Judea.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate serves as Prefect of Judea
Pilate's governorship is marked by significant tension with the Jewish population, including incidents related to Roman military presence and religious sensitivities.
c. AD 52
Felix appointed Prefect of Judea
Felix, whose brother Pallas was a powerful figure in Nero's court, becomes governor of Judea, known for his harsh rule and corruption.
c. AD 58
Paul arrested in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested by the Romans in Jerusalem after being attacked by a mob. The Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, intervenes to save Paul's life.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul sent to Caesarea
Claudius Lysias sends Paul under heavy guard to Caesarea to appear before Governor Felix, accompanied by a letter explaining the circumstances.
c. AD 58-60
Paul imprisoned in Caesarea
Paul remains imprisoned in Caesarea for two years, appearing before Felix and later Festus, while awaiting his accusers and a final hearing.
This verse highlights that even in moments of persecution, believers might be brought before rulers, echoing Paul's experience of being guarded and awaiting his accusers.
Acts 25:10-12Paul's appeal to Caesar in this passage shows his continued use of legal rights when facing accusers, mirroring the 'hearing' that Felix promised him in Acts 23:35.
Philippians 1:13Paul's imprisonment in Rome, described as being in the 'praetorium,' shows a recurring theme of being held in significant Roman buildings, similar to being guarded in Herod's praetorium.
John 18:33-34Jesus' own encounter with Pilate in the praetorium sets a precedent for God's Son and His followers being questioned by Roman authorities, emphasizing the 'hearing' of charges.
ellicottActs 23:35: "I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall."
(35) I will hear thee. —The Greek verb expresses the idea of a thorough hearing. He commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.—The Greek word is prætorium, a word somewhat elastic in its application, and ranging from a palace to a barrack. “Judgment hall” hardly gives the meaning here. The building had probably been intended by Herod for use as a royal re…
barnesActs 23:35: "I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall."
In Herod's judgment hall - Greek: in the praetorium of Herod. The word used here denoted formerly "the tent of the Roman praetor"; and since that was the place where justice was administered, it came to be applied to "halls (courts) of justice." This had been raised probably by Herod the Great as his palace, or as a place for administering justice. It is probable…
The phrase "I will give you a hearing" here suggests a full and proper examination of Paul's case, not just a preliminary one. This deliberate delay shows Roman justice, however imperfect, was supposed to be thorough, and Paul was granted a higher standard of detention in Herod's palace rather than a common jail.
After a violent confrontation in Jerusalem and a plot against Paul's life, the Roman commander Claudius Lysias sends Paul under heavy guard to the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. Upon Paul's arrival, Felix reads Lysias's letter, which vouches for Paul and explains the commander's actions, and then agrees to hear Paul's case once his accusers arrive, ordering him to be held in Herod's former palace.
After a violent confrontation in Jerusalem and a plot against Paul's life, the Roman commander Claudius Lysias sends Paul under heavy guard to the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea. Upon Paul's arrival, Felix reads Lysias's letter, which vouches for Paul and explains the commander's actions, and then agrees to hear Paul's case once his accusers arrive, ordering him to be held in Herod's former palace.
"he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium." — The phrase "I will give you a hearing" here suggests a full and proper examination of Paul's case, not just a preliminary one. This deliberate delay shows Roman justice, however imperfect, was suppos…
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Last reviewed October 2026