Acts 23:16

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

And {G1161} when Paul's {G3972} sister's {G79} son {G5207} heard {G191} of their lying in wait {G1749}, he went {G3854} and {G2532} entered {G1525} into {G1519} the castle {G3925}, and told {G518} Paul {G3972}.

But the son of Sha’ul’s sister got wind of the planned ambush, and he went into the barracks and told Sha’ul.

But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

But Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle and told Paul.

Acts 23:16 records a pivotal moment in the life of the Apostle Paul, highlighting the providential intervention that saved him from a deadly plot. This short verse introduces an unexpected character – Paul's nephew – who plays a crucial role in foiling a conspiracy against his uncle.

Context

Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent appearance before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Paul had caused a significant division among the Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts 23:6-10). Enraged by his testimony and the Roman protection he received, more than forty Jewish men formed a solemn oath, vowing not to eat or drink until they had assassinated Paul (Acts 23:12-15). They planned to ambush him on his way to another hearing. Paul was being held in the Roman barracks, likely the Antonia Fortress, which served as the "castle" mentioned here, adjacent to the Temple Mount.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work. Even amidst intense opposition and a deadly plot, God uses an unexpected individual – Paul's nephew – to reveal the danger and ensure Paul's safety. This underscores the biblical theme that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes (Proverbs 19:21).
  • Human Agency and Courage: Paul's nephew demonstrates remarkable courage and quick thinking. Hearing of the plot, he didn't hesitate but immediately sought out Paul in the heavily guarded Roman castle. His proactive intervention was critical.
  • Unexpected Help: God often uses ordinary people and unforeseen circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Help for Paul came not from a Roman official or a prominent disciple, but from a family member who likely had no public standing.
  • Family Loyalty: The verse also subtly highlights the importance of family ties and concern. Paul's nephew acts out of loyalty and love for his uncle.

Linguistic Insights

The term "castle" in the KJV (Greek: parembole) refers to the military barracks or fortress, specifically the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem. This was the Roman administrative and military headquarters, providing a secure, albeit captive, environment for Paul. The phrase "lying in wait" (Greek: enedran) clearly denotes an ambush or a hidden, treacherous plot, emphasizing the severity of the danger Paul faced.

Practical Application

Acts 23:16 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Protection: Even when facing overwhelming opposition or danger, we can trust that God is at work, often in ways we don't anticipate. His protection may come through seemingly insignificant details or individuals.
  • Be Attentive and Responsive: The nephew's willingness to listen and act swiftly saved Paul's life. This encourages us to be attentive to divine promptings and to act courageously when opportunities arise to serve God or help others.
  • God Uses Ordinary People: You don't need a special title or position for God to use you in His grand narrative. Paul's nephew was just a young man, yet he was instrumental in preserving the life of the Apostle, allowing him to continue his missionary journeys and eventual journey to Rome (Acts 28:14).

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His servants, orchestrating events behind the scenes to fulfill His divine purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 23:10

    And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.

  • Acts 23:32

    On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:19

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  • Job 5:13

    He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

  • 2 Samuel 17:17

    Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

  • Proverbs 21:30

    ¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Lamentations 3:37

    ¶ Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not?

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