Acts 23 17

Acts 23:17 kjv

Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

Acts 23:17 nkjv

Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, "Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him."

Acts 23:17 niv

Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him."

Acts 23:17 esv

Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him."

Acts 23:17 nlt

Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, "Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him."

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 17 Meaning

Acts 23:17 describes how Paul, while a prisoner under Roman guard in Jerusalem, takes immediate action upon learning of a plot against his life. He calls upon a centurion and instructs him to bring his young nephew, who had overheard the conspiracy, to the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. This verse highlights Paul's strategic thinking, the assistance provided by his family, and the pivotal role of the Roman authorities in protecting him, all orchestrated by divine providence.

Acts 23 17 Context

Acts 23 takes place in Jerusalem after Paul's contentious appearance before the Sanhedrin, which ended in disarray and violence (Acts 23:1-10). The Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias, had taken Paul into protective custody to prevent him from being torn apart by the Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts 23:10). The following morning, a group of more than forty zealous Jews swore an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12-14). This dangerous plot was overheard by Paul's nephew (Acts 23:16). Verse 17 describes Paul's immediate, calm, and strategic response to this life-threatening information. He had just received divine assurance in Acts 23:11 that he must testify in Rome, reinforcing his belief that God would preserve him.

Acts 23 17 Word analysis

• So Paul: Paul, though a prisoner, displays agency and leadership. His name (Παῦλος - Paulos) identifies the apostle, central to Acts. His response here is proactive, not passive.
• called one: προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos), a participle, "having called." This implies Paul initiated the contact, exercising an unusual degree of initiative for a prisoner. It reflects his strategic thinking and perhaps his recognized standing as a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-29), commanding respect even from his guards.
• of the centurions: ἕνα τῶν ἑκατονταρχῶν (hena tōn hekatontarchōn). A Roman military officer in charge of approximately one hundred soldiers. Paul's access to the military chain of command demonstrates the protection afforded by Roman law, especially to a Roman citizen in a volatile situation.
• to him and said: The action follows directly; Paul articulates his need clearly and authoritatively.
• ‘Take this young man’: ἀγαγεῖν (agagein) τοῦτον τὸν νεανίαν (touton ton neanian). The imperative "take" or "lead" signifies a directive. "This young man" (Paul's nephew from v. 16, though not named here) is crucial. He is the divine instrument for revealing the plot. The word neanian can refer to someone in their twenties or early thirties, not necessarily a small boy.
• to the commander’: πρὸς τὸν χιλίαρχον (pros ton chiliarchon). This refers to Claudius Lysias, the military tribune in charge of a cohort (about 1000 soldiers). Paul ensures the vital information reaches the highest relevant authority present, demonstrating his understanding of the Roman hierarchy and due process.
• ‘for he has something to tell him’: ἔχει γὰρ ἀπαγγεῖλαί τι αὐτῷ (echei gar apangielai ti autō). This explains the urgent reason for the command. The "something" (τι - ti) refers to the overheard plot, a matter of life and death, justifying bypassing normal channels and directly involving the commander.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Paul called one of the centurions to him": This phrase underscores Paul's retained authority and strategic acumen despite his imprisonment. He is not merely waiting; he is acting decisively within the confines of his situation, utilizing the Roman military system to his advantage. His Roman citizenship likely played a role in him having this direct access.
• "Take this young man to the commander": This is a direct order given by a prisoner to a military officer, yet it is obeyed. It highlights Paul's confidence and the weight given to his words. The young man's role as the bearer of critical information is paramount, showing how God can use unexpected individuals in crucial moments.
• "for he has something to tell him": This justification reveals Paul's keen awareness of protocol and the urgency of the matter. He ensures that the centurion understands the gravity, implicitly guaranteeing the commander would find the audience worthwhile. This phrase implies a life-or-death scenario without explicitly stating it, providing enough detail to compel immediate action.

Acts 23 17 Bonus section

The incident described in Acts 23:17 starkly contrasts the fervent, destructive zeal of the Jewish plotters with the procedural, protective nature of Roman law. The Sanhedrin's division, the Jewish assassins' fanatical oath, and their disregard for human life highlight a spiritual blindness, while the Roman officers, despite being pagan, serve as instruments of divine protection for Paul, aligning with Paul's own teaching in Romans 13 about the role of governing authorities. This passage further develops Luke's consistent portrayal in Acts of Roman officialdom largely serving to protect Paul and enable the spread of the Gospel, rather than hinder it, thereby affirming God's sovereignty over earthly powers.

Acts 23 17 Commentary

Acts 23:17 is a concise yet powerful testament to God's providential care over Paul, aligning with the divine promise for Paul to reach Rome (Acts 23:11). Paul, despite being a prisoner, acts with calm decisiveness, demonstrating remarkable spiritual maturity and tactical wisdom. He doesn't panic but utilizes the available Roman chain of command, relying on his rights as a citizen. The seemingly random act of his nephew overhearing the plot becomes the linchpin in this divine rescue, showing that God's plan can unfold through unexpected human actions and relationships. The centurion's immediate compliance highlights the respect afforded to Paul, possibly due to his Roman citizenship, but also the Romans' commitment to upholding law and order, which includes investigating threats. This moment is not merely about Paul's survival, but crucial for the continuation of his mission to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles, particularly to Rome, setting the stage for his appeal to Caesar.

• Practical usage example: When facing difficult circumstances, this verse encourages believers to exercise wisdom and available lawful means (like Paul used Roman authority) while trusting in God's overriding providence. It shows that even small acts by ordinary people (the nephew overhearing) can be part of God's larger plan.