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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:16 recounts a crucial moment of divine intervention in the life of the Apostle Paul, as his nephew, whose name is not recorded, providentially overhears a deadly Jewish conspiracy against his uncle. This young man's swift and courageous action to relay this intelligence to Paul, who was being held under Roman guard in the Antonia Fortress, directly thwarted the assassination plot, ensuring Paul's safety and the continuation of God's plans for his ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a dramatic narrative of escalating opposition against Paul in Jerusalem. Immediately prior, Paul had been rescued from a mob by Roman soldiers and brought before the Sanhedrin, where his declaration of being a Pharisee and belief in the resurrection caused a violent schism between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to another Roman intervention ([Acts 23:6-10](/acts/23-6-10 "Paul Divides the Sanhedrin")). Following this tumultuous hearing, a group of more than forty Jewish men bound themselves by a solemn oath, vowing not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul, planning an ambush during his next transfer ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "The Conspiracy Against Paul")). It is against this backdrop of intense, murderous intent that Paul's nephew appears, an unexpected and pivotal character whose actions directly lead to Paul's transfer to Caesarea and his eventual journey to Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's arrest and subsequent trials occurred in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious and political life, during a period of significant Roman occupation and Jewish unrest. The "castle" mentioned in the verse refers to the Antonia Fortress (Greek: _parembolē_), a formidable Roman military barracks located adjacent to the Temple Mount. This fortress served as the headquarters for the Roman cohort stationed in Jerusalem, providing security and administrative oversight. It was common for Roman authorities to hold prisoners, especially those causing public disturbance, within such secure military compounds. The oath taken by the conspirators, vowing not to eat or drink, reflects a deep-seated, fanatical commitment characteristic of certain zealous Jewish factions of the time, highlighting the extreme danger Paul faced.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 23:16 powerfully illustrates several overarching themes present in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand actively protecting His servants and orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, even amidst intense human opposition. This aligns with the principle that [many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - God's Purpose Prevails"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Agency and Courage**, as Paul's nephew, an otherwise unmentioned individual, acts decisively and bravely to avert disaster. His proactive intervention is crucial, showing that God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Unstoppable Mission**, as Paul's life is preserved, allowing him to continue his journey toward Rome and the ultimate fulfillment of his apostolic calling ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord Stands by Paul") and [Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Paul's Vision on the Ship")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, this primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, including giving audience, coming to the ears, understanding, or being reported. In this context, it signifies the nephew's reception of information about the plot, implying not just auditory perception but also comprehension and recognition of its significance.
* **lying in wait (Greek, _énedron'_):** From G1749, this neuter noun denotes an "ambush" or, figuratively, a "murderous design." It vividly describes the treacherous and hidden nature of the conspirators' plan, emphasizing the grave danger Paul was in and the premeditated intent to kill him.
* **castle (Greek, _parembolḗ'_):** From G3925, this noun refers to a "throwing in beside" or, specifically, a "battle-array, encampment, or barracks." In the New Testament, it frequently denotes a military camp or fortress, particularly the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem. Its use here highlights the secure, military environment where Paul was held, making the nephew's entry significant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait,"**: This opening clause introduces the unexpected protagonist—Paul's nephew—and the critical information he acquired. The phrase "lying in wait" immediately establishes the grave danger, indicating a premeditated and hidden plot by the more than forty Jewish men mentioned previously in the narrative. The nephew's hearing of this plot is the catalyst for the subsequent events, underscoring the providential nature of this intelligence.
* **"he went and entered into the castle,"**: This part describes the nephew's immediate and decisive action. "He went" (Greek: _paragínomai_, G3854) suggests his arrival or presence, while "entered into" (Greek: _eisérchomai_, G1525, with _eis_, G1519) implies he gained access to the highly secure Roman military barracks, the Antonia Fortress. This action demonstrates remarkable courage and determination, as entering such a fortified Roman stronghold, especially for a Jewish youth, would not have been a simple or casual act.
* **"and told Paul."**: The final clause reveals the purpose and outcome of the nephew's brave entry. He conveyed the critical information directly to Paul. This act of communication is pivotal, as it empowers Paul with the knowledge needed to take action, ultimately leading to his preservation and the foiling of the assassination attempt. The simplicity of the phrase belies the profound impact of this timely revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 23:16 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as the conspirators believe their murderous plot is secret and foolproof, yet an unsuspecting youth has overheard their intentions, unbeknownst to them. This creates tension and suspense for the reader, who is aware of the danger and the impending intervention. The sudden appearance of Paul's nephew functions as a **Deus ex Machina**, a sudden, unexpected, and often improbable solution to an seemingly intractable problem, highlighting the miraculous and providential nature of God's intervention. Furthermore, the event serves as **Foreshadowing** for Paul's continued preservation and his ultimate journey to Rome, a divine promise revealed earlier to Paul ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord Stands by Paul")). The narrative also uses **Understatement** in its concise description of the nephew's actions; the simple phrase "he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul" belies the immense courage, risk, and significance of his deed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:16 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes. Even when His servants face overwhelming odds and meticulously planned opposition, God often works through seemingly insignificant or unexpected channels to ensure His will prevails. The preservation of Paul's life was not merely for his personal safety, but crucial for the ongoing spread of the gospel to the Gentile world, particularly his destined journey to Rome. This incident underscores that God's plans for His kingdom are ultimately unthwartable by human malice or conspiracy, demonstrating His sovereignty over all circumstances.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The LORD foils the plans of the nations")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief but potent verse offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's protection is not always dramatic or overtly miraculous, but often works through ordinary people and seemingly mundane circumstances. The courage and swift action of Paul's nephew, an unheralded individual, underscore the truth that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or age, to accomplish His grand designs. In our own lives, when we face opposition, uncertainty, or feel overwhelmed by circumstances, Acts 23:16 encourages us to trust in God's unseen hand, knowing that He is actively working behind the scenes for our good and His glory. It also challenges us to be attentive and responsive to divine promptings, recognizing that we, too, can be instruments of God's providence in the lives of others, acting with courage and discernment when opportunities arise to serve or protect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Paul's nephew encourage you to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem dire?**
* **Can you recall a time when God used an unexpected person or event to intervene in your life or the life of someone you know?**
* **What does Paul's nephew's courage teach us about our role in God's plan, even if we feel "ordinary" or insignificant?**
* **In what ways can you be more attentive to opportunities to serve as an instrument of God's protection or provision for others?**

### FAQ

**Who was Paul's sister's son, and why isn't his name mentioned?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide the name of Paul's nephew, nor does it offer any further details about him beyond this single, crucial intervention. His anonymity is common in biblical narratives, often serving to highlight the providential nature of the event rather than the individual. His significance lies in his action and the divine timing of his appearance, rather than his personal identity. His presence, however, reveals that Paul maintained family ties, even amidst his missionary journeys and the intense opposition he faced.

**What was the "castle" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "castle" (Greek: _parembolē_) refers to the Antonia Fortress, a large Roman military barracks and administrative headquarters located on the northwest corner of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was a formidable structure, providing a secure base for the Roman cohort stationed in the city. Paul was held there after being rescued from the mob, and it was within these secure walls that his nephew was able to reach him and inform him of the assassination plot.

**How did Paul's nephew know about the plot against Paul?**

Answer: The text states that Paul's nephew "heard of their lying in wait." While it doesn't specify how he acquired this information, it's plausible he overheard the conspirators discussing their plans. Given that over forty men were involved in the oath and plot ([Acts 23:12-13](/acts/23-12-13 "The Conspiracy Against Paul")), it's likely they were not entirely discreet in their discussions, especially among themselves. His connection to Paul, perhaps through family or community networks, might have also put him in a position to gain such intelligence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:16, while seemingly a minor detail in Paul's biography, profoundly illustrates the overarching theme of God's sovereign protection over His chosen instruments, a protection ultimately rooted in Christ. Just as Paul's life was preserved for the sake of the gospel, so too was Christ's life divinely protected until His appointed time for sacrifice. Jesus Himself declared that [no one could take His life from Him, but He would lay it down of His own accord](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus lays down His life"). Paul's preservation here, through an unexpected family member, mirrors the divine care extended to Christ throughout His earthly ministry, enabling Him to fulfill His mission. This incident in Acts 23 points to the greater truth that the gospel, the message of Christ's redemptive work, cannot be thwarted by any human conspiracy or opposition. Paul's deliverance ensures the continued proclamation of the good news, ultimately leading him to Rome, the heart of the Gentile world, fulfilling Christ's commission to be [His witnesses to the ends of the earth](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth"). Thus, this verse is not just about Paul's survival, but about the unstoppable progress of God's kingdom through Christ, whose power and purpose are manifest even in the seemingly small, providential acts of an anonymous nephew.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?