Acts 23 18

Acts 23:18 kjv

So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

Acts 23:18 nkjv

So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you."

Acts 23:18 niv

So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."

Acts 23:18 esv

So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you."

Acts 23:18 nlt

So the officer did, explaining, "Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 18 Meaning

Acts 23:18 describes the crucial moment when the centurion, obeying Paul's request, presents Paul's nephew to the Roman commander Lysias. This act initiates the disclosure of a dangerous Jewish plot against Paul's life, demonstrating God's providence at work through human agency and Roman authority to protect His servant. The verse underscores the methodical nature of the Roman military in conveying urgent information, particularly concerning a Roman citizen like Paul, leading to his eventual rescue from assassination.

Acts 23 18 Context

This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's life following his arrest in Jerusalem and a tumultuous hearing before the Sanhedrin. Paul, a Roman citizen, had been saved by the Roman commander Claudius Lysias from a mob in the temple precincts (Acts 21:30-36). After a chaotic session with the Jewish council, where Paul cleverly divided his accusers (Acts 23:6-10), Lysias, fearing Paul would be torn apart, withdrew him to the Antonia Fortress (Acts 23:10). The next night, the Lord appeared to Paul, encouraging him and reaffirming his future testimony in Rome (Acts 23:11). However, unbeknownst to the Romans, a group of more than forty Jews had sworn an oath to neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12-15). Paul's nephew, overhearing this conspiracy, courageously went to Paul in the fortress and informed him (Acts 23:16). Paul then, demonstrating his wisdom and strategic thinking even in chains, requested one of the centurions to bring his nephew to the commander Lysias (Acts 23:17). This specific verse, Acts 23:18, details the centurion's dutiful reporting to Lysias, setting the stage for the Roman commander to take action to secure Paul's safety. The historical context includes the Roman military occupation of Jerusalem, their role in maintaining order, and the rights afforded to Roman citizens, all of which converge to protect Paul through secular means aligned with God's divine purpose.

Acts 23 18 Word analysis

• So he took him: (οὗτος οὖν τὸν νεανίσκον λαβὼν houtos oun ton neaniskon labōn). "He took" (labōn) signifies the centurion receiving charge of the young man, bringing him into his official custody for the purpose of an introduction. This is an act of official duty and protocol.
• and brought him: (ἤγαγεν ēgagen). Direct action of escorting, physically moving the young man to the specified location, emphasizing the chain of command and the centurion's obedience.
• to the commander: (πρὸς τὸν χιλίαρχον pros ton chiliarchon). Refers to Claudius Lysias, the Roman tribune (commander of a thousand men, literally 'chiliarch'). This highlights the military hierarchy and the direct access to authority Paul, through his nephew, was able to achieve.
• and said: (ἔφη ephē). Indicates direct speech, the centurion delivering his report to the commander.
• Paul the prisoner: (Παῦλος ὁ δέσμιος Paulos ho desmios). "Paul" (Παῦλος) – the individual in question. "The prisoner" (ho desmios) literally means "the bound one" or "man in bonds." This emphasizes Paul's legal status as an arrested person under Roman custody, but implicitly reminds the commander of his Roman citizenship which demands careful treatment. His spiritual freedom and agency despite physical chains are implied.
• called me: (με προσκαλεσάμενος me proskalesamenos). Signifies Paul, despite being imprisoned, having enough agency to summon a Roman officer, indicative of his recognized status as a Roman citizen and perhaps the officers' respect.
• and asked me to bring: (ἠξίωσεν ἀγαγεῖν ēxiōsen agagein). "Asked" (ēxiōsen) conveys a respectful request or even a petition, appropriate for a citizen to make of an officer. It suggests Paul acted with proper decorum. "To bring" (agagein) reinforces the command for the centurion to escort.
• this young man: (τοῦτον τὸν νεανίσκον touton ton neaniskon). "Young man" (neaniskon) denotes Paul's nephew, a young male (often between 20-40). His youth suggests that the discovery of the plot was a surprise, making his bravery notable.
• to you: (πρός σε pros se). Directly to the commander Lysias, emphasizing the crucial destination for the urgent message.
• as he has something to say to you: (ἔχοντά τι λαλῆσαί σοι echonta ti lalēsai soi). Literally, "having something to speak to you." This phrase indicates that the young man possesses information of import or urgency that requires the commander's direct attention. It also hints at the serious nature of the disclosure without revealing details, respecting protocol.

Acts 23 18 Bonus section

• The efficiency of Roman military structure, often feared by subject peoples, is here providentially turned to serve God's purpose of protecting Paul. It illustrates that God uses all things, including established governmental systems, for the advancement of His kingdom.
• The centurion's respect for Paul's request and his commander's authority, without questioning the legitimacy of a "prisoner's" appeal or the presence of a "young man" with vital information, highlights a commitment to duty and adherence to protocol within the Roman military. This level of order proved crucial for Paul's deliverance.
• The narrative subtly emphasizes the importance of communication in averting crises. From the nephew's overhearing the plot, to Paul's clear instruction to the centurion, and the centurion's precise reporting to Lysias, a chain of communication ensures the timely flow of critical information.

Acts 23 18 Commentary

Acts 23:18 is a concise yet pivotal verse demonstrating God's meticulous care for Paul through what appears to be a sequence of ordinary human interactions and established protocol. The centurion's precise reporting to Lysias highlights the ordered nature of Roman military conduct, where information from a high-status prisoner (a Roman citizen) was relayed dutifully. Paul, though a "prisoner," retains an active role, strategically employing his nephew as a messenger and leveraging the Roman system for his protection. This underscores God's ability to use both the wisdom of His servants and the machinery of secular powers to accomplish His will. The fact that the nephew (a seemingly minor character) overheard a conspiracy and Paul was able to facilitate a meeting with the commander showcases God's intricate providence, turning potential disaster into an opportunity for Paul to move closer to Rome, fulfilling the divine decree to testify before Caesar. This verse, therefore, is not just a report but a testament to divine orchestration working through human courage and civic responsibility.