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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Paul {G3972} called {G4341} one {G1520} of the centurions {G1543} unto him, and said {G5346}, Bring {G520} this {G5126} young man {G3494} unto {G4314} the chief captain {G5506}: for {G1063} he hath {G2192} a certain thing {G5100} to tell {G518} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul called one of the officers and said, “Take this man up to the commander; he has something to tell him.”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And Paul called unto him one of the centurions, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain; for he hath something to tell him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:17 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's imprisonment in Jerusalem, revealing his quick thinking and divine protection amidst a deadly assassination plot. Having been divinely assured of testifying in Rome, Paul acts decisively upon learning of a conspiracy against his life, instructing a Roman centurion to escort his nephew, who possesses critical information, to the chief captain. This verse highlights Paul's strategic engagement with the Roman authorities and God's providential use of human agency to safeguard His servant for the fulfillment of His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after a dramatic and tumultuous period in Paul's life in Jerusalem. Following his arrest and a near-lynching by a mob, Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin, where his declaration regarding the resurrection caused a violent schism between the Pharisees and Sadducees, necessitating his rescue by Roman soldiers ([Acts 23:1-10](/acts/23-1-10 "Paul Before the Sanhedrin")). The very next night, the Lord appeared to Paul, assuring him, "Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Assurance to Paul")). Unbeknownst to Paul, however, a group of more than forty Jewish men had bound themselves by an oath to neither eat nor drink until they had killed him, devising a plan to ambush him on his way to another Sanhedrin hearing ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "The Plot Against Paul")). It is Paul's nephew, hearing of this conspiracy, who bravely informs Paul, setting the stage for Paul's immediate and shrewd response in this verse, demonstrating his active role even while imprisoned.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman presence in Jerusalem was significant, with a garrison stationed at the Antonia Fortress, adjacent to the Temple, to maintain order. Roman military officers, like the centurions and the chiliarch (chief captain), represented the imperial authority and legal system, which, despite Paul's imprisonment, often afforded him a measure of protection and due process, especially as a Roman citizen. Centurions were experienced, disciplined non-commissioned officers commanding approximately 100 men, forming the backbone of the Roman legions. A chiliarch, or tribune, was a higher-ranking officer, typically commanding a cohort of around 1,000 soldiers. In this narrative, the chief captain is Claudius Lysias, who had previously intervened to save Paul from the mob ([Acts 21:31-32](/acts/21-31-32 "Claudius Lysias Rescues Paul")). Paul's ability to summon a centurion and send his nephew to the chief captain highlights the structured nature of Roman military operations and Paul's understanding of how to navigate this system, even as a prisoner.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Protection**. Although God had already promised Paul's safe journey to Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Assurance to Paul")), this passage shows God actively working through human means—Paul's nephew and the Roman authorities—to fulfill His sovereign will. It underscores that God's plan is often executed through the natural course of events and the actions of individuals, rather than solely through miraculous intervention. Secondly, it showcases **Paul's Prudence and Resourcefulness**. Despite his precarious position as a prisoner facing a death plot, Paul does not succumb to despair or passivity. Instead, he acts with remarkable wisdom and foresight, immediately taking steps to inform the authorities. This demonstrates a balanced faith that trusts in God's sovereignty while actively employing practical wisdom and available resources. Lastly, the passage emphasizes **The Role of Roman Authority** in God's plan. While Paul is a prisoner of Rome, the Roman legal and military system, personified by the centurion and chief captain, becomes an unwitting instrument of God's protection, ensuring Paul's survival and facilitating his eventual journey to Rome to preach the Gospel ([Acts 28:14](/acts/28-14 "Paul's Arrival in Rome")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _proskaléomai'_):** G4341, from πρός (prós, "to, toward") and καλέω (kaléō, "to call"). This word means "to call toward oneself," implying a summons or invitation. Paul, though a prisoner, exercises a surprising degree of authority or influence, indicating that the centurions respected him or were under orders to facilitate his needs within the confines of his imprisonment. It signifies a deliberate, purposeful act of summoning.
* **centurions (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** G1543, from ἑκατόν (hekatón, "one hundred") and ἄρχω (árchō, "to rule"). This term specifically denotes "the captain of one hundred men." The fact that Paul calls "one of the centurions" suggests there were multiple such officers present or accessible, highlighting the significant Roman military presence. These officers were crucial intermediaries in the Roman chain of command, capable of relaying information to higher authorities like the chief captain.
* **young man (Greek, _neanías'_):** G3494, from a derivative of νέος (néos, "new, young"). This term refers to a youth, typically up to about forty years of age. In this context, it refers to Paul's nephew, whose age is not specified but who is clearly old enough to understand and relay sensitive information. The use of this term emphasizes the relative youth of the messenger who carries such a weighty secret, making his bravery and Paul's trust in him all the more remarkable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Paul called one of the centurions unto [him], and said,"**: This opening phrase establishes Paul's initiative and agency despite his imprisonment. The word "Then" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a transition or continuation of the narrative, following the revelation of the plot. Paul, having just received critical information from his nephew, immediately takes action, summoning a centurion. This demonstrates Paul's strategic thinking and his understanding of the Roman military hierarchy, knowing that a centurion would be the appropriate conduit to reach the chief captain.
* **"Bring this young man unto the chief captain:"**: Paul's direct command to the centurion is precise. He does not explain the situation to the centurion but instructs him to facilitate a meeting between his nephew and the highest-ranking officer present, the chiliarch. This indicates the urgency and gravity of the information, which Paul deems too sensitive or important to be relayed through an intermediate officer. The "young man" is Paul's nephew, who has just uncovered the assassination plot.
* **"for he hath a certain thing to tell him."**: This clause provides the reason for Paul's instruction. The conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the explanation. Paul states that his nephew possesses "a certain thing" (G5100, _tìs_, implying something specific and important) to "tell" (G518, _apangéllō_, meaning to announce or report) the chief captain. This phrasing maintains the confidentiality of the plot while conveying its significance, ensuring the centurion understands the necessity of the immediate audience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Foreshadowing** by subtly hinting at the broader divine plan for Paul's journey to Rome. God's direct assurance in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Promise to Paul") that Paul "must bear witness also at Rome" is immediately followed by a deadly plot. Paul's proactive steps, facilitated by Roman authorities, become the means by which this divine promise will be realized, as his transfer to Caesarea and later to Rome is a direct consequence of this plot's exposure. There is also an element of **Prudence** and **Wisdom** in Paul's actions. Despite being a prisoner, he demonstrates remarkable discernment in leveraging the available Roman chain of command rather than passively awaiting fate. His precise instructions to the centurion and his trust in his nephew underscore his practical intelligence and resourcefulness in a perilous situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:17 beautifully illustrates the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God had already given Paul a direct promise of protection and a future ministry in Rome, this verse shows that God's providence often works through human agency and natural means. Paul's active response to the threat, utilizing his nephew and the Roman system, is not a sign of a lack of faith, but rather an expression of faith that understands God works through wise and practical human actions. It reminds us that trusting God's plan does not negate our responsibility to act prudently and leverage the resources He provides. God's unseen hand orchestrates events, even using unexpected individuals like a young nephew and pagan Roman officials, to ensure His purposes are fulfilled and His servants are protected for their appointed tasks.

* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Assurance to Paul")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:17 offers profound lessons for believers navigating challenges today. It teaches us that faith in God's sovereign protection is not a call to passivity, but rather an invitation to active, Spirit-led wisdom. Paul, assured of God's plan for him, still takes immediate and practical steps to mitigate danger, demonstrating a faith that works through human means. This encourages us to be resourceful and proactive, utilizing the legitimate systems, relationships, and wisdom available to us, recognizing that God can work through these ordinary channels to achieve His extraordinary purposes. Furthermore, the passage reinforces the comforting truth that God's providential care extends even to the smallest details of our lives. Just as He used Paul's nephew and a Roman centurion, God can orchestrate seemingly random events and use unexpected people to protect us and guide us according to His will, even when circumstances appear dire or beyond our control. Our task is to remain faithful, prayerful, and discerning, ready to act on the wisdom and opportunities He provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's active response in this verse balance with his trust in God's divine promise?**
* **In what ways can we, like Paul, wisely leverage available resources and systems (even secular ones) for God's purposes or our protection?**
* **Can you recall a time when God used an unexpected person or seemingly ordinary event to protect or guide you? What did that teach you about His providence?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Paul's nephew to speak directly to the chief captain, and not just any Roman officer?**

Answer: It was crucial for Paul's nephew to speak directly to the chief captain because of the extreme gravity and secrecy of the information. The plot to assassinate Paul involved more than forty men who had sworn a solemn oath, making it a highly dangerous and organized conspiracy ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "The Plot Against Paul")). Such a serious matter required the immediate attention of the highest-ranking Roman officer in Jerusalem, Claudius Lysias, who had the authority and resources to act decisively. Paul understood the chain of command and knew that bypassing lower-ranking officers would ensure the message was received with the urgency and seriousness it deserved, leading to prompt intervention and Paul's protection.

**What does this passage teach us about God's providence in the face of danger?**

Answer: This passage profoundly illustrates that God's providence is active and often works through human agency, even in the midst of grave danger. While God had already assured Paul that he would testify in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "God's Promise to Paul")), He did not miraculously whisk Paul away. Instead, God used Paul's observant nephew to uncover the plot and Paul's wisdom to alert the Roman authorities. This demonstrates that divine protection doesn't always mean the absence of threat, but rather God's sovereign ability to orchestrate circumstances, raise up unexpected allies, and empower His servants to act prudently, ensuring His ultimate purposes are fulfilled. It encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan while also acting responsibly and wisely in challenging situations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:17, while detailing Paul's immediate peril and shrewd response, ultimately points to the greater narrative of God's sovereign control, perfectly exemplified in Jesus Christ. Just as Paul's life was preserved for the specific purpose of bearing witness to the Gospel in Rome, so too was Christ's life preserved and ultimately given for the supreme purpose of salvation. Jesus, the true "Chief Captain" of our salvation ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")), perfectly navigated the plots and perils of His earthly ministry, always operating within the Father's perfect will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). Paul's reliance on divine assurance and human means reflects the broader truth that God orchestrates all things—including political powers and personal relationships—to advance His kingdom, culminating in Christ's redemptive work and the spread of His Gospel to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). Paul's journey to Rome, facilitated by Roman authority, foreshadows the global reach of the message of Christ, who is sovereign over all earthly powers and uses them, wittingly or unwittingly, to accomplish His divine and eternal purposes.

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

Proverbs 22:3

¶ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Acts 23:23

And he called unto [him] two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Acts 22:26

When the centurion heard [that], he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Matthew 8:9

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].