Claudius Lysias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Claudius Lysias in the Bible?
Claudius Lysias was a Roman military tribune who intervened to rescue the Apostle Paul from a violent mob in Jerusalem, recognized Paul's Roman citizenship, and subsequently transferred him under guard to the governor Felix in Caesarea Maritima for safekeeping.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Lysias' role clarifies the legal protections afforded to Roman citizens in the first century and illustrates the tension between Roman administrative procedures and local Jewish religious sentiments, providing historical context for the narrative in Acts 21-23.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Claudius Lysias reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Claudius Lysias in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Claudius Lysias clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Claudius Lysias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/claudius-lysias/