19
The tribune took him by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, "What is it that you have to report to me?
20
He answered, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more thoroughly into his case.
21
But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent.
22
So the tribune dismissed the young man, ordering him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of this."
23
Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, "Get ready to leave by nine o'clock tonight for Caesarea with two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen.
24
Also provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Felix the governor."
25
He wrote a letter to this effect:
26
"Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.
27
This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but when I had learned that he was a Roman citizen, I came with the guard and rescued him.
28
Since I wanted to know the charge for which they accused him, I had him brought to their council.
29
I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but was charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.