New Testament

Acts 23:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this scene, a heated argument breaks out among the people, and it escalates to the point where the commanding officer fears for Paul's safety.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 62
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

The dispute became so violent that the commanding officer, fearing Paul would be torn apart by them, ordered soldiers to go down, take him from among them by force, and bring him back to the barracks.

KJVKing James Version

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this scene, a heated argument breaks out among the people, and it escalates to the point where the commanding officer fears for Paul's safety. The crowd is so angry that they might physically harm him. To protect Paul, the officer quickly orders his soldiers to intervene. They rush down to the scene, forcefully separating Paul from the mob. This action is necessary to ensure that Paul is not torn apart by the violence of the crowd. The soldiers then take him back to the safety of the barracks. This moment highlights the intense opposition Paul faced as he shared his message. It also shows the lengths to which authorities would go to maintain order and protect individuals from harm. Paul's courage in the face of danger is a powerful reminder of standing firm in one's beliefs, even when faced with hostility. The officer's decisive action reflects the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable in chaotic situations, emphasizing the need for compassion and justice.

Key themes

Related topics

courage, protection, conflict

How to apply Acts 23:10 to your life

When faced with conflict or hostility, remember that standing firm in your beliefs is important. Seek support from those who can help protect you. Just as Paul was safeguarded, we too can find strength in community and authority when navigating difficult situations. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Stay true to your values, even in adversity. Be a source of support for others as well, offering protection and understanding.

Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Acts 23:10 mean?

Acts 23:10 describes a moment of intense conflict where the crowd becomes violent against Paul. The commanding officer intervenes to protect Paul from being harmed, showing the need for authority to maintain order in chaotic situations.

What is the significance of the commanding officer in Acts 23:10?

The commanding officer plays a crucial role in Acts 23:10 by ensuring Paul's safety amidst a violent crowd. His decisive action highlights the importance of protecting individuals from harm and maintaining peace.

What does the phrase 'torn apart' in Acts 23:10 refer to?

The phrase 'torn apart' in Acts 23:10 refers to the potential physical harm Paul could face from the angry crowd. It emphasizes the severity of the situation and the real danger he was in due to the escalating conflict.

What can we learn from Acts 23:10 about facing conflict?

Acts 23:10 teaches us the importance of standing firm in our beliefs while also recognizing when to seek help. It shows that support from others, including authorities, can be vital in navigating dangerous or hostile situations.

The Book of Acts
Book Summary

The Book of Acts

Acts 1: The Ascension and the Choosing of Matthias

Jesus shows himself alive to the apostles after his suffering, speaking about the kingdom of God. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, saying they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost soon. They ask if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, and he tells them it is not for them to know the times, but they will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them and will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As they watch, he is taken up, and a cloud receives him out of their sight. Two men in white apparel tell them that this same Jesus will return in the same way they have seen him go.

Premium

Unlock the full Acts summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Acts — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Acts summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.