Acts 23:18

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.

So {G3767}{G3303} he took {G3880} him {G846}, and brought {G71} him to {G4314} the chief captain {G5506}, and {G2532} said {G5346}, Paul {G3972} the prisoner {G1198} called {G4341} me {G3165} unto him, and prayed me {G2065} to bring {G71} this {G5126} young man {G3494} unto {G4314} thee {G4571}, who hath {G2192} something {G5100} to say {G2980} unto thee {G4671}.

So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “The prisoner Sha’ul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.”

So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

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

Commentary

Acts 23:18 describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's journey, illustrating God's protective hand amidst grave danger. The verse details the centurion's diligent action in bringing Paul's nephew to the chief captain, Claudius Lysias, conveying Paul's urgent request and the young man's critical message.

Context

This verse follows a dramatic series of events in Jerusalem. Paul, having returned to the city, faced intense opposition and was nearly killed by a mob before being rescued by Roman soldiers (Acts 21:30-33). After a tumultuous hearing before the Sanhedrin, a conspiracy by over forty Jewish men to ambush and murder Paul was uncovered (Acts 23:12-15). Paul's young nephew overheard this plot and immediately informed his uncle. Paul, understanding the gravity of the situation, then requested a centurion to take his nephew to the chief captain so he could reveal the conspiracy (Acts 23:17). This verse marks the successful execution of that request, setting the stage for Paul's safe transfer out of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Protection: The rapid unfolding of events, from the nephew overhearing the plot to the centurion's prompt action, highlights God's active involvement in preserving Paul's life. This aligns with God's earlier assurance to Paul that he would testify in Rome.
  • Intercession and Advocacy: The young nephew serves as a crucial intercessor, bravely conveying vital information that ultimately saves Paul. His quick thinking and courage demonstrate how God can use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.
  • Roman Authority and Justice: The willingness of the centurion to facilitate this meeting and the chief captain's readiness to hear a young man's urgent message demonstrate the Roman commitment to order and due process, contrasting sharply with the unlawful plot against Paul.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "chief captain" translates the Greek word chiliarchos, meaning a commander of a thousand soldiers. This term emphasizes the significant military authority of Claudius Lysias, underscoring the seriousness of the message being delivered. The description of "Paul the prisoner" is notable, as it foreshadows Paul's frequent self-identification as a prisoner for Christ in his later epistles (e.g., Ephesians 3:1, Philemon 1:9), highlighting his circumstances even as he continued his mission.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God often works through ordinary people and seemingly small acts to accomplish His grand plans. The young nephew's attentiveness and courage, combined with the centurion's obedience, were instrumental in saving Paul. It encourages believers to be vigilant, to act responsibly when they can help others, and to trust that God's protective hand is at work even in perilous situations, guiding events for His glory and the fulfillment of His promises.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 3:1

    ¶ For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

  • Acts 28:17

    ¶ And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men [and] brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

  • Philemon 1:9

    Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

  • Ephesians 4:1

    ¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

  • Genesis 40:14

    But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:

  • Genesis 40:15

    For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

  • Acts 27:1

    ¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
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