Where is Claudius in the Bible? 
We are not sure of the exact location of Claudius in the Bible, but it is likely that the name was used in the New Testament to refer to a Roman official. Regardless of the exact location, we can find a few references to him in the Old Testament. One example is when Paul testifies to King Agrippa, where his name is mentioned in reference to Claudius Lysius.
Paul’s testimony to King Agrippa
In Acts 26:20, Paul begins his testimony before King Agrippa. Two years earlier, he had been arrested for false charges in Jerusalem. When there was a plot to kill him, Paul was transported to Caesarea on the coast. Two years later, the new Roman governor, Festus, brought Paul before King Agrippa.
In his testimony to King Agrippa, Paul does not mention the exact circumstances of his conversion, but he explains that the appearance of the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus was the main reason for his conversion. The resurrection of Jesus was important to Paul, and he believed it was a necessary element in the proclamation of the gospel.
Paul also defended himself as a Pharisee. The Pharisees were the strictest and most careful group in Judaism. As a matter of fact, they have been documented in the Mishnah, which is an ancient Jewish lawbook. They were known for fencing off the Law of Moses, and Paul sought to protect it.
Before becoming a Christian, Paul was well known among his Jewish peers. In fact, he was considered a national hero of Judaism. In his youth, he had been raised and trained in the strictest order of Judaism.
Claudius Lysius
The New Testament mentions Claudius Lysius in several places, including Acts of the Apostles. He is described as a Roman tribune and garrison commander in Jerusalem. In Acts 21:31–24:22, he appears as a prominent figure, but we know little else about him.
It is unknown if Claudius Lysius actually put Paul in chains. But he was aware of Jewish anarchist movements. When he heard that Paul had been putting other Jews in chains, he was astonished. He suspected that Paul was a Jewish revolutionist and had sparked a revolt. He also suspected him of leading four thousand Assassins into the wilderness.
The New Testament refers to Claudius Lysias as the Roman garrison commander in Jerusalem during the persecution of the Apostle Paul. He was an important figure in the history of the early Christian Church. He was a military tribune and commander of about a thousand men. He was also involved in rescuing Paul from a mob in Jerusalem.
After learning about the Jewish plot against Paul, Claudius Lysias brought him to the Antonian barracks. He had a secret mission to protect Paul. He did not want to risk violating his Roman citizenship by imprisoning a Jewish missionary. Hence, he had the Sanhedrin assemble, so that he could hear the truth about the case against Paul.
Joseph Caiaphas
Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas, the high priest of the time. The family controlled the priesthood for most of the first century. Although Annas is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, it is likely that he acted alongside Caiaphas.
As a historical fiction work, Risen has many elements that are not directly found in the Bible. One such example is the character Clavius, who is not mentioned by name in the Bible. The Scriptures do not refer to him by name, but the Bible does mention the soldier who took charge of the events at the Crucifixion. Likewise, the concept of a manhunt to find the body of Jesus is not found in the Bible, though Pilate probably had reasons to seek it out. Nevertheless, the storyline is believable in many respects.
Clavius is a capable soldier. His concern for the truth is paramount. He tracks down witnesses to Yeshua’s resurrection, including Mary Magdalene and a blind woman. Clavius is naturally skeptical, but he perseveres to find out the truth. Ultimately, Pilate tells him to stop, but Clavius refuses to listen and continues to follow his own path.
Caiaphas is a prominent figure in the history of Christianity. His rise from the grave emboldened followers to spread the gospel of salvation. He was also present during the trial of the apostles Peter and John. However, his opposition to the gospel did not stop it from spreading throughout the world. While he had the position, wealth and respect of the people, he was lacking in saving faith in Jesus.
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