Acts 23:16 kjv
And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
Acts 23:16 nkjv
So when Paul's sister's son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
Acts 23:16 niv
But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
Acts 23:16 esv
Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
Acts 23:16 nlt
But Paul's nephew ? his sister's son ? heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul.
Acts 23 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 23:12 | That certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse... | Conspiracy and Vow (1 Kings 18:10) |
| Romans 10:2 | For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. | Zeal without Knowledge (Galatians 4:17) |
| John 16:2 | Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. | Misguided Devotion (2 Cor. 11:23) |
| 1 Samuel 18:21 | And Saul said, This shall be the thing, whereby ye shall know that the LORD hath made mine enemy to prevail. | Saul's Jealousy (Psalm 55:12-14) |
| Psalm 55:12-14 | For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then would I have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. | Betrayal by Friend (Acts 1:16) |
| Proverbs 24:11 | If thou forbear to deliver them that are taken to slaughter, and them that are ready to be condemned. | Duty to Intervene (Jer. 20:10) |
| Isaiah 29:15 | Woe unto them that seek to hide their counsel deep from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? | Hidden Plots (Matt. 27:1) |
| Acts 20:3 | And tarried there with them certain days; and when the days were expired, he purposed to sail into Syria, and there with him the Jews which had purposed this. | Plots Against Paul (Acts 23:20) |
| Acts 23:15 | Now therefore ye with the elders, and testify unto him, ye having brought him down to the rulers. | Confederacy against Paul (Psalm 2:1-2) |
| 2 Corinthians 11:26 | In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren. | Dangers Faced by Paul (Gal. 1:6) |
| Galatians 1:6 | I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: | Warning against False Teachers (1 Tim. 4:1-3) |
| Matthew 27:1 | When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death: | Jesus' Betrayal Plot (Acts 23:30) |
| 1 Kings 18:10 | As thy soul liveth before the LORD thy God, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not here, he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not. | Bound by Oath (Deut. 7:1) |
| John 3:20 | For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. | Works of Darkness (Eph. 5:11) |
| 1 Timothy 4:1-3 | Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. | False Teaching (Acts 25:1) |
| Acts 25:1 | Now when Paul was come to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the principal men stood up against him, informing him of all that which he had informed the council. | Continued Opposition (Psalm 91:1) |
| Psalm 2:1-2 | Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed. | Rulers Against God (Matt. 10:16) |
| Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. | Prudence in Danger (Phil. 3:6) |
| Philippians 3:6 | Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. | Persecuting Zeal (1 Cor. 9:19) |
| 1 Corinthians 9:19 | For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. | Reaching All People (Acts 26:1) |
Acts 23 verses
Acts 23 16 Meaning
The verse describes a familial plot against Paul, specifically instigated by his sister's son, who alerted Paul to an ambush. This reveals a direct threat and a clandestine operation organized by the Jewish leaders, highlighting the intense opposition Paul faced and the lengths to which his enemies were willing to go.
Acts 23 16 Context
The preceding verses detail a plot by over forty Jewish men who vowed to neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. They sought the help of the chief priests and elders to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin, intending to ambush and kill him on the way. This chapter is part of Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, where he anticipates persecution and imprisonment. Historically, the tension between early Christians and the Jewish establishment was high, fueled by accusations that Paul had betrayed Jewish law and tradition. This particular plot illustrates the depth of animosity and the clandestine efforts to silence Paul and his ministry.
Acts 23 16 Word Analysis
dede: Greek for "but," indicating a contrast or introduction to new information.
theluhter: Greek for "his sister's son," a specific familial relationship. The clarity of this term underscores the unexpected source of the information.
paul's: Possessive case, indicating ownership or relation to Paul.
urgod: Greek for "informed him" or "gave information to him."
aghndr: Greek for "the ambush" or "the lying in wait." This word suggests a planned, concealed attack.
approcomegnol: The Greek term here refers to those who had lain in wait.
Acts 23 16 Bonus Section
The loyalty of the nephew, who risked his life to warn Paul, stands in stark contrast to the animosity of the religious leaders. This familial intervention underscores the complexity of allegiances and beliefs within the Jewish community during this period. It also foreshadows the broader theme of individuals within various groups being used by God to protect His servants and advance His purposes, even when powerful factions are aligned against them. The young man’s act can be seen as an echo of biblical accounts where integrity and obedience to a higher calling, even if risky, are rewarded.
Acts 23 16 Commentary
This verse reveals divine providence operating through human relationships, even within a context of intense hostility. While more than forty men had conspired to murder Paul, the information reaching him came from an unlikely source – his own nephew. This highlights how God can use even those who may not fully understand or agree with Paul to frustrate the plans of evil. The "ambush" signifies a premeditated, secretive attack, demonstrating the lengths Paul's enemies were willing to go to. Paul's immediate action to inform the authorities shows his wisdom and his commitment to following lawful procedures, even when facing biased opposition. The conspiracy and the informant’s action are both pivotal in escalating Paul’s journey and its eventual appeal to Caesar.