23 ²³ Then he called a couple of his centurions and issued these orders: 'Get ready two hundred infantry to proceed to Caesarea, together with seventy cavalrymen and two hundred light-armed troops; Or: two hundred spearmen (the meaning of the Greek word is uncertain). parade three hours after sunset. 23 ²⁴ Provide also mounts for Paul so that he may ride through under safe escort to Felix the Governor.' 23 ²⁵ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

23 ²⁶ 'Claudius Lysias to His Excellency the Governor Felix. Your Excellency: 23 ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and was on the point of being murdered when I intervened with the troops and removed him, because I discovered that he was a Roman citizen. 23 ²⁸ As I wished to ascertain the charge on which they were accusing him, I took him down to their Council. 23 ²⁹ I found that the accusation had to do with controversial matters in their law, but there was no charge against him meriting death or imprisonment. 23 ³⁰ However, I have now been informed of an attempt to be made on the man's life, so I am sending him to you at once, and have also instructed his accusers to state their case against him before you.' Some witnesses read: ' ... before you. Farewell.'

23 ³¹ Acting on their orders, the infantry took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 23 ³² Next day they returned to their barracks, leaving the cavalry to escort him the rest of the way. 23 ³³ The cavalry entered Caesarea, delivered the letter to the Governor, and handed Paul over to him. 23 ³⁴ He read the letter, asked him what province he was from, and learned that he was from Cilicia. 23 ³⁵ 'I will hear your case', he said, 'when your accusers arrive.' He then ordered him to be held in custody at his headquarters in Herod's palace.