Λυσίας (Lusias)
Lusias
Lysias
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Lysias appears only three times in the New Testament, always in the book of Acts as a historical figure rather than a theological term. It identifies Claudius Lysias, a Roman military tribune stationed in Jerusalem during the first century. His name means "releaser" or "liberator," a fitting title for a soldier whose primary duty was maintaining order and releasing prisoners from civil unrest.
He plays a crucial role in the narrative of Paul’s arrest. In Acts 23:26, he writes a formal letter to the governor Felix explaining that he rescued Paul from a mob because he discovered Paul was a Roman citizen. Later passages (Acts 24:7, 24:22) reference him as the officer who initially took custody of Paul before handing him over for trial. These brief mentions highlight the intersection of early Christian history with Roman administrative procedures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Lysias appears in Acts as a historical figure rather than a theological concept. He was a Roman tribune who protected Paul from a violent mob. This shows how God used even unfamiliar officials to preserve the gospel message.
When Paul faced danger, Lysias intervened because he recognized Paul's rights as a citizen. The narrative highlights that God works through people in positions of authority. Your faith is not isolated from the world around you.
These brief mentions remind us that every person has a role in the larger story. You can trust that God is present in your daily interactions and unexpected encounters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Lysias3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Λυσίας3×
Key Verses
-
Acts 23:26
“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.
This opening line identifies Claudius Lysias as the sender of a formal letter to Governor Felix, establishing his authority in the legal proceedings against Paul.
-
Acts 24:7
This reference recalls Lysias as the officer who initially took custody of Paul, linking the current trial back to the original arrest event.
-
Acts 24:22
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
Felix defers his decision until Lysias arrives, showing that the tribune's testimony was essential for resolving the case fairly.