claudius lysias Summary and Overview

[LYSIAS]

CLAU'DIUS LY'SIAS , the chief captain or commander of a band of soldiers stationed as a public guard over the temple, who interposed his authority, and thus saved Paul from violence at the hands of a temple-mob, and afterward sent him with a strong guard to the procurator Felix at Cassarea. Acts 21, Josh 11:22, and Heb 12:23. CLAY The Hebrew word is used in the O.T. in the sense of ordinary mire in the streets, Ps 18:42; at the bottom of the sea, Isa 57:20; in a cistern or subterranean prison. Jer 38:6. It is also translated "clay" -i.e. potter's clay- Isa 41:25; Nah 3:14. In the N.T. the word "clay" is applied to a mixture of spittle with dust. John 9:6, Rev 1:11, 2 Sam 20:15. For the use of clay in brickmaking, see Brick; and in pottery, see Potter. Clay was also used for sealing. Job 38:14. Wine-jars, tombs, and doors were, and are, sealed with clay. See Seal.