Definition: So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart, and charged [him, See thou] tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 23:22. It’s a really important verse dealing with forgiveness and responsibility. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Paul is facing arrest: Paul was accused of being a thief (specifically, he had been selling cattle). He was arrested and detained by the authorities. The Chief Captain – A Leader: This verse refers to a powerful leader, likely a military commander or someone in authority. This person is crucial because they’re holding Paul accountable for his actions. The Charge: The chief captain has given Paul a specific instruction: “Let him depart.” This means he needs to not tell anyone about what happened. What it Means – A Deeper Look: “So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart…” : This is telling us that this was a specific, important role within the leadership. It’s not just any old person; they were assigned this task. “…and charged [him, See thou] tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.” This is the core of the verse. The chief captain is telling Paul to keep quiet . They're assigning him a very serious duty – he must not reveal what he’s learned or discovered. "See thou" means “Look closely” or “Pay attention.” It’s emphasizing that this secret needs to be carefully guarded. Why is this important? This verse highlights several key ideas: Accountability: It demonstrates that Paul was held responsible for his actions, even when he was in a vulnerable position. Trust and Confidentiality: The chief captain is trusting Paul to keep the information confidential. It shows they believe in his integrity. The Importance of Silence: It emphasizes the importance of silence as a protective measure – it’s a way to safeguard himself from potential consequences. In essence, this verse is a powerful example of being told to remain silent about something that has caused problems. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Paul’s journey? Answer any specific questions you have about it?