Acts 23 16

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 verses

Acts 23 16 Meaning

Acts 23:16 details a pivotal moment where divine providence orchestrates human action to safeguard Paul. Paul's nephew, learning of a deadly plot by over forty Jewish men to ambush and kill Paul, courageously intervened. He took the initiative to approach the Roman barracks, gain access, and directly inform Paul of the conspiracy. This timely warning allowed Paul and the Roman authorities to foil the assassination attempt, thereby enabling Paul's continued journey and ministry as planned by God.

Acts 23 16 Context

This verse is set amidst escalating tensions following Paul's arrest in Jerusalem and his appearance before the Sanhedrin. In the immediate preceding verses (Acts 23:1-10), Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin descended into chaos due to his declaration concerning the resurrection, dividing the Sadducees and Pharisees. The Roman tribune Lysias had to intervene to prevent Paul from being torn apart. Following this, the Lord Himself appeared to Paul (Acts 23:11) to encourage him and assure him that he would bear witness in Rome. Unbeknownst to Paul, a deadly plot had formed among forty zealot Jews (Acts 23:12-15) who vowed neither to eat nor drink until they had killed him. They secured the cooperation of the chief priests and elders, planning a feigned request for another Sanhedrin hearing as a trap. This backdrop of imminent, highly organized danger highlights the significance of the timely warning in verse 16. Paul was a Roman citizen under the protection of the Roman military in their barracks (Fort Antonia), yet the plot circumvented these protections, making his nephew's intervention crucial for his survival and the fulfillment of God's prophetic word regarding Rome.

Acts 23 16 Word analysis

• But (μέντοι - mentoi): A strong adversative conjunction, signifying a contrasting turn of events. It marks a sharp change from the murderous conspiracy to the unexpected, providentially arranged intervention.
• when Paul’s sister’s son (ὁ δὲ τοῦ Παύλου ἀδελφιδούς - ho de tou Paulou adelphidous):
  • Paul’s sister’s son: Luke, the author, simply identifies him as Paul's nephew, giving no name, which subtly emphasizes the event and God's unseen hand rather than the personal identity of the rescuer. It implies an intimate family connection providing access to critical information and Paul himself. The family bond might have enabled his entry and trusted access where others could not go.
  • ἀδελφιδούς (adelphidous): Greek for "nephew" or "sister's son." This term highlights a specific, known family relationship, indicating Paul was not completely alone or isolated despite his imprisonment. The existence of such family in Jerusalem, even if his sister's religious leanings are unknown, suggests a deeper, human connection within the vast story of the early church.
• heard of their ambush (ἀκούσας τὴν ἐνέδραν - akousas tēn enedran):
  • heard (akousas): Implies he passively received the information, perhaps overheard it. This accidental acquisition of knowledge is often a vehicle for divine intervention, as seen in many biblical narratives where eavesdropping or accidental encounters turn the tide of events.
  • ambush (enedran): From ἐν- (en-, "in") + ἕδρα (hedra, "seat"), meaning "a lying in wait," a secret place of attack. This term conveys the deceptive and deadly nature of the plot—it was a pre-planned, hidden assassination attempt designed to surprise and overpower. The forty men's vow (v.14) underscored its gravity.
• he went and entered the barracks (πορευθεὶς καὶ εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν - poreutheis kai eiselthōn eis tēn parembolēn):
  • he went (poreutheis): Indicates a deliberate act of journeying or movement. It highlights his swift and purposeful action.
  • entered (eiselthōn): Signifies direct access. It shows boldness, determination, and perhaps a measure of privilege or familiarity that allowed him into a restricted military area.
  • the barracks (parembolēn): Refers to the Roman military encampment, specifically Fort Antonia, a heavily guarded fortress adjacent to the Temple mount where Paul was being held for his protection. Gaining entry required courage and a strong purpose, as it was a secure military installation. This demonstrates the nephew's resourcefulness.
• and told Paul (ἀπήγγειλεν τῷ Παύλῳ - apēngeilen tō Paulō):
  • told (apēngeilen): To report, announce, or bring news. This is a straightforward act of communication, yet profound in its consequence. It signifies the direct and urgent relaying of critical information. The immediacy of the message allowed for an appropriate and timely response.

Acts 23 16 Bonus section

• The detail of Paul having a "sister's son" suggests that Paul maintained family ties even after his conversion, perhaps illustrating a bridge that could later be used for gospel opportunities or simply showing that God's network of protection extends through diverse relationships.
• The fact that the nephew "heard" the plot rather than being part of it emphasizes the seemingly accidental nature of the discovery, reinforcing the idea of divine serendipity at work.
• The boldness of a young man, presumably, to not only believe the seriousness of the plot but also to overcome the fear and obstacles of entering a Roman military facility is notable, showcasing a rare combination of loyalty, courage, and clear thinking. His quick action implies a sense of urgency and awareness of the stakes involved.

Acts 23 16 Commentary

Acts 23:16 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and the multifaceted ways He protects His servants and fulfills His plans. Paul had just received a direct promise from the Lord about bearing witness in Rome (Acts 23:11), and almost immediately, a life-threatening conspiracy arises. This verse illustrates how God doesn't always deliver through overt miracles, but often through the courage and seemingly mundane actions of ordinary individuals. The nameless nephew becomes a crucial instrument in divine hands, his timely arrival a direct answer to Paul's desperate situation. His access to information and willingness to bravely enter the formidable Roman barracks highlights how unexpected allies and circumstances can be divinely orchestrated. This demonstrates that even against deeply entrenched opposition and elaborate plots, God’s purpose cannot be thwarted; He utilizes human agency and unforeseen connections to ensure His will prevails, keeping His promise to Paul despite the severe opposition.