Act 23:10 | RWP | e4.org | When there arose a great dissension ( πολλης της γινομενης στασεως ). Present middle participle (genitive absolute). Literally, "dissension becoming much." Lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them ( μη διασπασθη ο Παυλος ). First aorist passive subjunctive of διασπαω , to draw in two, to tear in pieces, old verb, in the N.T. only here and of tearing chains in two. The subjunctive with μη is the common construction after a verb of fearing (Robertson, Grammar , p. 995). The soldiers ( το στρατευμα ). The army, the band of soldiers and so in verse . To go down ( καταβαν ). Second aorist active participle of καταβαινω , having gone down. Take him by force ( αρπασα ). To seize. The soldiers were to seize and save Paul from the midst of ( εκ μεσου ) the rabbis or preachers (in their rage to get at each other). Paul was more of a puzzle to Lysias now than ever.

‏ Acts 23:10

When there arose a great dissension ( πολλης της γινομενης στασεως ). Present middle participle (genitive absolute). Literally, "dissension becoming much."

Lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them ( μη διασπασθη ο Παυλος ). First aorist passive subjunctive of διασπαω, to draw in two, to tear in pieces, old verb, in the N.T. only here and Mr 5:4 of tearing chains in two. The subjunctive with μη is the common construction after a verb of fearing (Robertson, Grammar, p. 995).

The soldiers ( το στρατευμα ). The army, the band of soldiers and so in verse 27.

To go down ( καταβαν ). Second aorist active participle of καταβαινω, having gone down.

Take him by force ( αρπασα ). To seize. The soldiers were to seize and save Paul from the midst of ( εκ μεσου ) the rabbis or preachers (in their rage to get at each other). Paul was more of a puzzle to Lysias now than ever.