Acts 23:34

34 Felix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; and being told "from Cilicia,"

Acts 23:34 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 23:34

And when the governor, had read the letter
Which he doubtless opened and read as soon as he had received it, not knowing what important business might be contained in it, or of what dangerous consequence a neglect of reading it might be; this showed care and diligence in him:

he asked of what province he was;
since he perceived by the letter he was a Roman, and that he might know whether he was under his jurisdiction, and whether the hearing of his case belonged to him; and it should seem that it rather belonged to the governor of Syria; but that the crimes he was charged with were committed in Judea, particularly that of profaning the temple.

And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
which was a Roman province, in which Tarsus was, where Paul was born free; ( Acts 21:39 ) ( 22:3 ) .

Acts 23:34 In-Context

32 The next day the infantry returned to the barracks, leaving the cavalry to proceed with him;

33 and, the cavalry having reached Caesarea and delivered the letter to the Governor, they brought Paul also to him.

34 Felix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; and being told "from Cilicia,"

35 he said, "I will hear all you have to say, when your accusers also have come." And he ordered him to be detained in custody in Herod's Palace.