II. CLAUDIUS LYSIAS, Tribune of the Roman Troops, which kept guard at the Temple of Jerusalem. He observing the Tumult which was raised upon S. Acts xxi. 27, 28, &c. xxii. 1, 2, 3, &c.Paul’s account, whom the Jews had seized on, and designed to put to death, came seasonably to Paul’s assistance, and rescued him out of their hands. He ordered him to be bound with two Chains, and carried him to the Fortress Antonia, where the Roman Cohort was in Garrison. Then Lysias being desirous to know what the reason was of this animosity which the Jews expressed against St. Paul, ordered him to be extended on the ground, with a design of putting him to the Torture by whipping him. But S. Paul having demanded whether it was lawful to treat a Roman Citizen after this manner, Lysias was afraid, and directed those to withdraw, who were preparing to scourge him. The next day the Tribune sent for the Priests, and the whole Council of the Jews, to learn particularly the reason of that Commotion which had happened the day before. S. Paul was permitted to speak to them; and understanding that the Assembly was composed of Pharisees and Sadducees, he cried out, that he was a Pharisee, and that the accusation which was brought against him, proceeded from his believing the Resurrection of the dead. This was enough to sow division among those who made up this meeting. The Pharisees took Paul’s part; and as the Tumult increased, Lysias sent Soldiers with Orders to carry off Paul by force out of the Assembly, and convey him to the Tower of Antonia, where he was imprisoned.
The day after, above forty of the Jews having engaged themselves in a Conspiracy to kill Paul; notice was given him of their design by his Nephew, his Sister’s Son. And the Tribune, upon receiving intelligence of it by the same person, commanded a good Guard to be provided the night following, in order to conduct Paul to Cæsarea. This is what we know of Lysias, so far at least as relates to our purpose.