Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
16. And when Paul’s sister’s son, &c.] The Rev. Ver. keeps to the Greek construction, “But Paul’s sister’s son heard and he came, &c.”
We have no other mention of the family of St Paul anywhere in the history. It seems improbable that the sister and her son were settled inhabitants of Jerusalem, or we should have been likely to hear of them on Paul’s previous visits. His imprisonment at this time was only to keep him from being killed, and so any relative or friend was permitted to come to him.
he went and entered into the castle ] The margin of the Rev. Ver. gives the rendering of the text with a different punctuation: “he heard of their lying in wait, having come in upon them and he entered, &c.”
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Pauls sisters son – This is all that we know of the family of Paul. Nor do we know for what purpose he was at Jerusalem. It is possible that Paul might have a sister residing there; though, as Paul himself had been sent there formerly for his education, it seems more probable that this young man was sent there for the same purpose.
Entered into the castle – Paul had the privileges of a Roman citizen, and as no well-founded charge had been laid against him, it is probable that he was not very closely confined, and that his friends might have free access to him.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Act 23:16-22
And when Pauls sisters son heard of their lying in wait, he told Paul.
Pauls sisters son
From this subject we learn–
I. That humble and nameless individuals are sometimes of great service in the world. There are anonymous ministries in life that are of unspeakable importance. The agent is unknown or forgotten, but the deed lives forever. As ships meet during night at sea, a moment together, and then never to cross each others path again; as a figure appears upon the canvas of a moving panorama, for an instant arresting every eye, and then never to be looked on more; so, in the page of history, and in our own observation, some individuality suddenly appears in the foreground, and fills an important mission, and then as quickly vanishes, and is forgotten. Well, perhaps, some of you are at times tempted to a feeling of discouragement, because you are never likely to occupy a position of prominence or distinction. Outside of your own family your name is not known, nor ever likely to be. Never mind that. You may do splendid work notwithstanding. The craving for notoriety is often a serious drawback to real usefulness. Many a noisy and fussy philanthropist is doing a far less solid and valuable work than some quiet and unobtrusive Christian. It has often been said, that there are few things better fitted to humble a young man than to be thrown into this great world of London; for, however conspicuous he may have been in the place he came from, here he is at once lost in the mighty throng. And yet, if a man has anything in him, and especially if he has the grace of God, he will not be long without finding scope for its exercise; and often the opening turns up in the most unlooked for quarter.
II. The value of promptness in action. Had the youth before us paused an hour or two, in all human certainty the apostle would have been slain. It is a life-long disadvantage to many a youth that he is so slow and lethargic in his movements. In these busy days in which we live time means money; and the young fellow who looks as though he were half-asleep will be left far behind by his more agile companion. The proverb, Slow and sure, sound though it often is, is responsible for a good deal of wasted time; for there is many a case in which prompt and sure would be a wiser adage. Sir Walter Scott wrote: Beware of a propensity which easily besets you–I mean what women call dawdling. Let your motto be Hoc age. Do instantly whatever is to be done, and take your recreation after business, never before it. Remember, however, that despatch does not mean hurry. Hurry is the mark of a weak mind, despatch of a strong one. When a regiment is under march, the rear are sometimes thrown into confusion because the front are lazy and irregular; so the whole arrangements in a house of business may be thrown out of gear, because the lads who do the initial work are dilatory. The dawdler, like a squirrel in a revolving cage, has the appearance of being busy, but accomplishes no results; has a hundred irons in the fire, but few of them are hot, and with the few that are he only burns his fingers. It is said of one who came to great distinction in the House of Commons, that the first occasion of his opening his mouth in that assembly was when, as quite a young man, he rose and gave prompt expression to his views. He sat down nervous, and afraid he had made a blunder. In a few minutes a little piece of paper was handed to him with two words written on it by the greatest statesman of the day–Youll do. The incident yielded him so much stimulus that he retained that morsel of paper as one of his greatest treasures; it was preserved as an heirloom in the family; and today may be seen in the hall of the mansion, handsomely mounted and framed, pointing the lesson to all young men who enter, to be prompt, decisive, and courageous: Youll do. We live in a prompt universe, and all through the handiwork of God we find that time is kept to a second. I am the more anxious to impress this upon you, because there is an epidemic of laziness abroad. Look down the advertisement columns of the newspapers, and how often you will read, A young man desires a light situation. Ward Beecher got a letter from such a youth, asking him to find him an easy berth. He replied as follows: If you wish an easy berth dont be an editor. Do not try the law. Do not think of the ministry. Avoid school keeping. Let alone all ships, stores, shops, merchandise. Abhor polities. Dont practise medicine. Be not a farmer nor mechanic; neither be a soldier nor sailor. Dont work. Dont study. Dont think; none of these are easy. Oh, my friend, you have come into a hard world. I know of but one easy place in it, and that is the gravel.
III. The play of natural affection. The youth was probably a Pharisee; but natural affection triumphed over the bitterness of religious animosity. The chivalrous spirit of the young man was roused; and, by all means, his uncle, in spite of his heresy, must be saved. We applaud the lad for this. He was better than his creed. Perhaps the apostle had him in mind when he wrote to Timothy, If any have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home. His own nephew set a good example. Some of you, perhaps, might do well to take a leaf out of his book. I have known men who, when they got on a bit, seemed to forget that they had any relatives in the world. But there is not a finer sight than that of a young man who has got on well in the world sending substantial help to a widowed mother, or taking in hand the education of a younger brother, or saving so much from his weekly wage or quarters salary, to help some other relative who was in need. Verily I say unto you, such a man shall in no wise lose his reward. (J. Thain Davidson, D. D.)
Pauls sisters son
1. When Pauls sisters son heard of their lying in wait, he did not himself sit helplessly down and wonder how in the world Uncle Paul would get out of his troubles.
2. He went straight at work to frustrate it, and his first step was to inform Paul of its nature. It is seldom a kindness to conceal a friends danger from him.
3. He carried out the undertaking nobly. None of Pauls family were on intimate terms with the word fail.
4. When brought before the chief captain, he doubtless dreaded the meeting, but he was received courteously, questioned carefully, and dismissed pleasantly. A Christian duty is seldom so formidable a task as at first sight we fear it may be.
5. The young man and Paul himself were treated with marked consideration by those around them. Which goes to show that even in the dim light of a dungeon it is easy to recognise pure characters and lofty aims.
6. Pauls sisters son was dismissed with a caution against indiscriminate talking, and, so far as we know, he always heeded it. If some modern Church members would only give attention to his example in this regard! (S. S. Times.)
Pauls sisters son
The incident teaches us–
I. That unknown men may be immortalised–By association with a good cause. All unknown to himself, this unknown youth was identifying himself with the cause of Christ, and thus obtains a few lines in the Christian book which has made him famous in every clime. No matter how humble a part a man may play in Gods Church or in the cause of humanity, there is a record kept which will one day be read out before an assembled universe.
II. That feeble instrumentalities may be capable of the mightiest service. This youth could mot have done what his uncle afterwards did, but without his nephews help Paul himself would have been unable to do it. We may thank Pauls sisters son for Pauls testimony at Rome and for some of his great Epistles. And, as this narrative shows, he got prompt credit for it, which is not usually the case. And yet where would commerce, e.g., be but for young men? We wonder at the stupendous business done by a certain house, and admire the genius of its head; but where would he be but for the army of clerks, apprentices, etc., who are behind him? Is the comparative stagnation of the Church due to its neglect of young men?
III. That the best-constructed schemes may be foiled by insignificant incidents. Nothing could have been better laid than this plot. No means likely to ensure success were omitted. Craft, power, and prestige were on the side of the conspirators. But murder will out. A hint was somehow dropped, somewhere, and by some means was wafted to the ears of Pauls nephew–that was all. God has strange ways of frustrating wickedness. He does not need the aid of thunder nor lightning. A mysterious line in a letter, the prattle of a little child, a trifling accident occasioning a moments delay, the unaccountable misdirection of a message are enough.
IV. That evil once discovered should be unmasked. The prompt action of this young man cannot be too widely imitated. When opportunity serves, the wrong-doer of course should be confronted with the hope of his reformation. But there are circumstances in which evil should meet with a summary and public exposure. Knowledge without revelation may be guilty complicity.
V. That good men should take precautions for their own safety. Paul might have been indifferent, relying on the Divine promise; but Gods promises are often fulfilled by the use of means. The best men often display lamentable carelessness about interests which are dear to Christ and the Church. But no one ought to be above advice to take care of his health, and defend his reputation.
VI. That duty once undertaken should be bravely carried through. Pauls nephew probably little expected so august an interview, and very likely would have shrunk from it if he had. But plucking up courage, he told the grim warrior all he had related to his gentler uncle. Let no man, having put his hand to the plough, look back. (J. W. Burn.)
The chief captain took him by the hand.—
How to treat young men
The scene is a graphic and touching one. Pauls nephew was taken with his great secret into the presence of the chief captain who, with the frankness and affability of a true gentleman–noticing no doubt the shyness of the youth for the first time in the presence of a man of rank–took him by the hand, drew him gently into a quiet corner, and having thus put him at his ease, invited his confidence. The conduct of this Roman aristocrat towards a young Jew is not without its bearing on the Church today. Let us take each act and draw out the lessons.
I. He took him by the hand. Young men want taking by the hand, not by the hair, not by the neck, not by the shoulders. Understand this–
1. Literally. What an amount of good a little more hand shaking would do. It would be more effectual than many sermons and many prayers. Young men impervious to expostulation or appeal might easily be won by the kindly pressure of a hand. Yet how sadly seniors stand aloof, satisfied with a nod, or a Good morning, or even with less. They are willing to put their hands anywhere rather than into those of their young brothers–ready to undertake all the work of the Church, which would lose nothing, but gain much, if some of it were entrusted to younger hands.
2. Metaphorically. To take one by the hand means–
(1) Welcome.
(2) Brotherliness.
(3) Encouragement.
(4) Confidence.
These are all that young men want; let them be ungrudgingly rendered, and the Church of the next decade will have different results to show. The cry is, How to retain our young men? The answer is simply–Take them by the hand.
II. He went aside with him. It would do no harm, but much good, if young men were taken aside into–
1. The homes of the elders of the Church. Thousands of useful lives are thrown away through the friendlessness of young men plunged into city life. They know no one, they have nowhere to go, no one cares for them, and so they wander into the haunts of sin. What a blessing if their senior brethren would ask them home occasionally for a social hour!
2. The official meetings of the Church. They would then see its inner working, and thus be trained for more effective service. As a rule young men know nothing, and consequently care nothing, for the machinery of the Church, and so eventually lose all interest in its work.
III. He asked him, what is that thou hast to tell me? Young men should be asked–
1. About their temporal interests. This need not be done obtrusively or so as to excite suspicion of curiosity. But many a young man is yearning for someone to open a conversation which shall lead to a statement of difficulties, or a request for advice.
2. About their souls. How helpful to a youth when wandering into the ways of sin or on the brink of making the great decision, for some older brother to say, Would you like to have a talk on religious matters?
3. About the welfare of the Church. Young men sometimes fail to fall in with existing or projected schemes, because they have schemes of their own. The Church would do no harm if it were to draw them out, even though their projects should be declined.
Lessons:
1. Young men are the hope of the Church–a trite saying but fatally disregarded.
2. Let the Church make the most of its young men. (J. W. Burn.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 16. Paul’s sister’s son] This is all we know of Paul’s family. And we know not how this young man got to Jerusalem; the family, no doubt, still resided at Tarsus.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Pauls sisters son, who is thought to have been one of Pauls company: but the hatred against Paul by the Jews being so general, because of his (supposed) profaning of the temple, they were not so curious who they spake to of this confederacy and design. Or rather, there is no counsel against God: the very birds of the air, if need were, shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter, Ecc 10:20. For he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision, Psa 2:4.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
16-22. Paul’s sister’s son(Seeon Ac 9:30). If he was at thistime residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, hemay have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which heso promptly acted.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait,…. Paul might have a sister living in Jerusalem; or this her son might be there on account of his studies; he might be a pupil to one of the doctors, by which means he might come at this secret, that such a number of men were in ambush, in order to take away his uncle’s life: wherefore having got intelligence of it,
he went and entered into the castle; the Alexandrian copy reads, “the synagogue”; but Paul was not there, but in the castle of Antonia; the Ethiopic version renders it, “the prison”; though it is plain that he was not very closely confined, it was easy to have access to him; the reason might be, not only because he was a Roman, but because he was uncondemned, nor was any charge proved against him:
and told Paul; what he had heard, that such a number of men had entered into a conspiracy to take away his life, and lay in wait for him; and this was an instance both of duty and affection to his uncle, and worthy of imitation, whether it proceeded from natural relation, or from religion, or both.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Their lying in wait ( ). Old word from (in) and (seat), ambush. In N.T. only here and 25:3. Accusative object of .
He came (). Second aorist middle participle of . It may mean, “having come upon them” and so discount their plot, a graphic touch. Vincent thinks that some Pharisee, since Paul was a Pharisee and so a member of the “guild,” told his nephew of the plot. Perhaps, and perhaps not.
Told Paul ( ). This nephew is not known otherwise. He may be a student here from Tarsus as Paul once was. Anyhow he knows what to do when he catches on to the conspirators. He had enough address to get into the barracks where Paul was. He ran the risk of death if discovered.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait,” (akousas de ho huios tes adelphes Paulou ten enedran) “Then when the son of Paul’s sister (his nephew) heard of the treachery, conspiracy, or devious plot,” of those lying in wait by the castle, fort, or barracks stairs. Very little is often known of relatives of great men, but the quiet servants will too be rewarded one day, 1Co 3:8-9.
2) “He went and entered directly into the castle,” (para genomenos kai eiselthon eis ten parembolen) “He went and entered directly into the castle-fort,” where Paul was being held in security barracks, under supervision of the centurion. He went of his own volition, care, concern, and of his own life. That he was able to see Paul indicates that Paul was more a man under protection of the law than a prisoner in custody.
3) “And told Paul.” (aprngeilen to Paulo) “He reported it (the plot) to Paul.” He gave to Paul the report of a collusion for his death, by means of a trial or tripartate conspiracy of:
1) The more than forty Jews who vowed under a curse to be the trigger men, 2) The chief priests and elders who were to call for Paul to come down, be brought down from the fort to them, and 3) The chief captain who was to be influenced to lead Paul down on the “death march.”
It is believed that Paul’s nephew was in school in Jerusalem, as Paul had been a generation before, and that some of the students were monitoring actions surrounding the council, and found out about the conspiracy, then related it to Paul’s nephew, who secured access to visit Paul in the castle for the above disclosure.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
−
16. Paul’s sister’s son. We see in this place how the Lord doth cross the purposes of the ungodly. He permitteth them to attempt many things, and he suffereth their wicked endeavors, but at length he showeth even in the twinkling of an eye − (549) that he doth from heaven deride whatsoever men go about upon earth. −
“
There is no wisdom,” saith Solomon, “there is no counsel against the Lord,” ( Pro 21:30).
Whereto that of Isaiah doth answer, −
“
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought: speak the word, and it shall not stand,” ( Isa 8:10). −
This is set before our eyes to be considered, in this present history, as in a glass. The matter was almost dispatched, that Paul should come out on the morrow to be slain as an avowed sacrificed. − (550) But the Lord doth show that his life is most safely kept, so that whatsoever men go about all is in vain. As for us, let us not fear but that his providence, whereof he showed some token then, reacheth even unto the defending of us, because this promise continueth sure, −
“
There shall not an hair fall from your heads,” etc. ( Luk 21:18). −
Moreover, it is worth the noting, that he worketh sometimes by means unlooked for to save those that be his, that he may the better exercise our faith. Who would have thought that a boy would have disclosed their lying in wait, which those who were partners in the conspiracy thought was known to none but to themselves? Therefore, let us learn to lean unto and stay ourselves upon the Lord, though we see no ordinary way to save ourselves, who shall find a way even through places where nothing can pass.
(549) −
“
Ipso articulo,” at the very nick of time
(550) −
“
Devota victima,” a devoted victim.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(16) Pauls sisters son.The passage is note worthy as being the only reference to any of St. Pauls relations in the Acts. The fact that St. Paul lodged with Mnason, as far as it goes, suggests the probability that neither the sister nor the nephew resided permanently in Jerusalem. We do not even know whether they were members of the Christian society, though this may, perhaps, be inferred from the eagerness of the son to save his uncle from the danger which he know to be imminent. We find that St. Paul had kinsmen at Rome (Rom. 16:7; Rom. 16:11). Was this nephew one of them who had come to Jerusalem to keep the feast, and heard the plot talked of (it is difficult to keep a secret in which forty men are sharers) in the caravanserai where he and other pilgrims lodged? We see, from the fact thus stated, that St. Paul, though in custody, was allowed to hold free communication with his friends. This, perhaps, accounts for the fulness with which the whole history is given. The writer of the Acts had come up with the Apostle, and was not likely to desert his friend if he could possibly gain access to him.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
16. Sister’s son The only appearance of any blood relation of Paul’s in the New Testament history. Whether Paul had, like Barnabas, a married sister resident in Jerusalem, or whether this nephew, who appears thus in view solitary and alone, was a pupil sent to Jerusalem, as Paul once was, there is nothing to decide. The secret of the plot had too many keepers to be well kept. Some of Paul’s favourers in the Sanhedrin may have informed Paul’s relative, and thus he became a link in the chain of Paul’s safety and progress to Rome.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the fortress and told Paul.’
However, God was aware of the plan and ensured that news of the plot reached the ears of Paul’s nephew. Possibly Paul’s sister, as a well-dowried woman, was married to a member of the Sanhedrin, or to a member of the High Priest’s family, or someone closely connected, so that her son overheard discussions taking place at home. Whichever way it was he came to the fortress and informed Paul. Paul would have a certain freedom to enjoy visitors.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The plot Revealed:
v. 16. And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle and told Paul.
v. 17. 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.
v. 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.
v. 19. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
v. 20. And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul tomorrow into the Council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
v. 21. But do not thou yield unto them; for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
v. 22. So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast showed these things to me. We have here the first and only direct reference to the family to which Paul belonged, his sister’s son, his nephew, being introduced into the story. Whether Paul’s sister lived in Jerusalem, or whether the young man had come up for the festival of Pentecost, cannot be determined. In some way this young man heard of the plot, received the full information concerning the scheme of the Jews, their ambush. His hurry is apparent from the text, for he suddenly appeared at Antonia, came in upon them, and entered into the barracks. Evidently Paul’s friends were allowed to visit him, and therefore no one objected to the young man’s going to him. So he announced, related, to Paul the entire story. Paul realized at once that the plot could be foiled only by observing the utmost secrecy, that lack of proper caution might precipitate serious crisis. So he called one of the centurions to him and requested him to lead the young man to the commander, since he had an announcement to make to him, had some news to tell him. Accordingly, the centurion had the young man accompany him to the chiliarch, where he introduced him with the remark that Paul, the prisoner, had called him and asked him to lead this young man to him, since he had something to tell him. The chiliarch felt at once that there must be something unusual in the air, and therefore he, with fine tact and with a reassuring gesture, took the young man by the hand and led him aside and asked him: What is the news that you have for me? This treatment gave the informant the necessary confidence, and he quickly told his story, adding such touches as reveal his deep interest. The Jews had taken counsel together, made the plan, to ask the commander of the garrison that he bring Paul down to the Synedrion, as though he wanted to examine his case more exactly, look into it with greater care than on the previous day. And here the excitement gets the better of the narrator, and he earnestly urges the chiliarch not to trust them, since more than forty of the Jews were lying in ambush, all of them having bound themselves under a dreadful curse neither to eat nor to drink till they had put Paul out of the way, until they had killed him. And even now they were ready, awaiting only the promise of the Roman tribune. This would be their signal to prepare for the murderous assault. In this way did the Lord, and in the same manner does He now, frustrate the evil designs of the enemies of the Church and of His servants. Without His permission not a hair of their head may fall to the ground. With a warning as to the necessity of the strictest secrecy Lysias dismissed the young man.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Act 23:16-20 . Whether the nephew of Paul was resident in Jerusalem; whether, possibly, the whole family may have already, in the youth of the apostle, been transferred to Jerusalem (as Ewald conjectures), cannot be determined.
.] belongs to the vivid minuteness with which the whole history is set forth.
Act 23:18 . The centurion on military duty, without taking further part in the matter, simply fulfils what Paul has asked.
] he is now, as a Roman citizen, to be conceived in custodia militaris (comp. on Act 22:30 ). See on Act 24:27 .
Act 23:19 . . .] “ut fiduciam adolescentis confirmaret,” Bengel.
. ] in order to hold a private conversation with him, he withdrew (with him) without the addition of a third person , perhaps to a special audience-chamber. Comp. Luk 9:10 .
Act 23:20 . ] recitative .
] have made an agreement to request thee. Comp. on Joh 9:22 .
.] i.e. under the pretext, as if they would . See Pflugk, ad Eur. Hec . 1152. It is otherwise in Act 23:15 : in the opinion , as, etc.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
16 And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
Ver. 16. And when Paul’s sister’s son ] A sweet providence that this boy should be by, to detect and defeat their wicked counsel. God will be seen in the Mount; he suffereth often his enemies to go to the utmost of their tether, and then pulls them back with shame to their task. He delights to make fools of them. He lets them have the ball on their foot till they come to the very goal, and yet makes them miss the game.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
16 .] It is quite uncertain whether Paul’s sister’s son lived in Jerusalem, or had accompanied him thither. The of ch. Act 20:5 , will include more than merely Luke. But from this knowledge of the plot, which presupposes other acquaintances than he would have been likely to make if he had come with Paul, I should suppose him to have been domiciled at Jerusalem, possibly under instruction, as was formerly Paul himself, and thus likely, in the schools, to have heard the scheme spoken of.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 23:16 . : whether he and his mother lived in Jerusalem, as Ewald conjectured, we are not told. Probably not, as the mother is not otherwise mentioned. Paul’s nephew may have been a student in Jerusalem, as the Apostle had been in his earlier days. Edersheim, Jewish Social Life , p. 227, gives an interesting account of the way in which the young man as a member of the Pharisaic “Chabura,” or guild, might have gained his knowledge of the conspiracy. At the same time nothing is told us in the text, and we cannot wonder at the comment “quis is fuerit, unde rescierit, ignoratur” (Blass). .: “having come in upon them ,” R.V. margin, “and he entered into the castle,” etc. . is thoroughly Lucan, and often gives a graphic touch to the narrative, but it is doubtful whether we can press it as above, although the rendering is tempting. .: evidently Paul’s friends were allowed access to him, and amongst them we may well suppose that St. Luke himself would have been included. On the different kinds of Roman custody see below, Act 24:23 , note.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act 23:16-25
16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21″So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.” 23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter having this form:
Act 23:16 “the son of Paul’s sister” We have many questions about Paul’s family, but it is shrouded in silence. How he knew of the plan is also unknown. He was possibly a Pharisee also.
Act 23:21 This attack would have also involved the killing of the Roman guards!
Act 23:23 The contingent of troops to accompany Paul was apparently either (1) 200 infantry, 70 cavalry, and 200 lancers or (2) 200 lancers and 70 cavalry. The western family of Greek manuscripts has a long descriptive addition (cf. NKJV).
“the third hour” This is obviously Roman time. They started counting the night at 6 p.m. This would be 9 p.m.
“Caesarea” This was the headquarters for the Roman occupational forces in Palestine.
NASB, NKJV,
NRSV, TEV”spearmen”
NJB”auxiliaries”
REB”light-armed troops”
NASB
(footnote)”additional mounts” or “pack animals”
NEB”bowman”
The meaning of the term dexiolabos is uncertain. It is literally “one posted or armed on the right side” (dexios). It refers to
1. some type of light armed soldier (bow or spear)
2. one who is bound to prisoners on the right side
3. one who holds a second horse
4. one who is on the flank
So many options show that moderns do not exactly know the meaning.
Act 23:24 “Felix” The Roman historian Tacitus (Histories Act 5:9, Annals 12:54) called Antonius Felix cruel and lustful. He gained his position through his brother, Pallas (both of whom were freed slaves), who was a close friend to Emperor Claudius. He served as the eleventh procurator of Palestine from A.D. 52-59.
Act 23:25 “form” See Special Topic: Form (tupos) at Act 7:43.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
lying in wait. Greek. enedra. Only here and Act 25:3.
went, &c. This may be rendered “having come in upon (them) and entered”, suggesting that he made the discovery accidentally. See Revised Version margin But it was of God. Paul was not to be “cut off” at the will of the enemy, any more than the “seed”. See Exo 2:6, and App-23.
told = reported (it to). Greek. apangello. See note on Act 4:23.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
16.] It is quite uncertain whether Pauls sisters son lived in Jerusalem, or had accompanied him thither. The of ch. Act 20:5, will include more than merely Luke. But from this knowledge of the plot, which presupposes other acquaintances than he would have been likely to make if he had come with Paul, I should suppose him to have been domiciled at Jerusalem, possibly under instruction, as was formerly Paul himself, and thus likely, in the schools, to have heard the scheme spoken of.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 23:16. , having heard) They managed the business with too little secrecy, not supposing that there would be any one who would communicate the fact to Paul or to the chief captain.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
when: Job 5:13, Pro 21:30, Lam 3:37, 1Co 3:19
he went: 2Sa 17:17
Reciprocal: 1Sa 19:2 – Jonathan 1Sa 23:9 – David Pro 24:15 – Lay Jer 36:19 – General Jer 37:20 – lest Act 21:34 – into Act 23:30 – it was Act 26:22 – obtained
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
6
Act 23:16. Paul’s nephew heard of the plot and told him of it.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 23:16. And when Pauls sisters son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. It is singular that this is the only mention in the Acts of any of Pauls relations. We hear nothing further of this young man. It is not probable that he or his mother-Pauls sisterwas resident in the Holy City, otherwise the apostle would hardly have lodged with Mnason during the visit (chap. Act 21:16). It is more likely that, as Paul had been years before, so his nephew now was a stranger student, perhaps from Tarsus, in the great Jerusalem schools; and that there he had heard the plot against the arch-traitor to the old customs of Judaism, as some termed him, discussed.
There were evidently many belonging to the family of the missionary apostle. We know there were some dwelling at Tarsus; here at Jerusalem we meet with his nephew; at Rome, we also read in two passages of his kinsmen (Rom 16:7; Rom 16:11).
Apparently there was no difficulty of access to Paul in his temporary imprisonment in Antonia. Here, as in several other places, the courtesy of the higher Roman officials towards the seemingly friendless and persecuted missionary is noticeable. See especially Act 16:33; Act 24:23; Act 26:32; Act 27:3; Act 28:30.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Note here, 1. That no conspiracies are or can be kept secret from God, who can both detect them, and defeat them at his pleasure.
Note, The remarkable providence of God in bringing this conspiracy to the knowledge of St. Paul’s sister’s son: he was perhaps by, when the conspirators were contriving the mischief, and overheard them. It is happy for the innocent, that the malicious cannot keep their own counsel. God oftentimes causeth the tongues of his people’s enemies to fall upon themselves, and they discover the wicked purposes of their hearts, which none but themselves were privy to.
Note, 3. How the hearts of all men are in the hand of the Lord, and how he turneth them as he pleaseth. This is evident from the chief captain’s great humanity towards St. Paul, and his courteous humility towards his sister’s son, taking the youth by the hand, and as readily giving him both audience and dispatch; such a sovereignty and dominion has God over the hearts of men, that he can instantly incline them as he pleaseth, and make even enemies become benefactors at his pleasure.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Act 23:16-22. When Pauls sisters son heard, &c. How privately soever this business was contrived, the providence of God so ordered it, that, for the deliverance of his faithful servant from this inhuman and bloody conspiracy, it came to the ears of Pauls nephew; who went and entered into the castle Where, as has been before observed, Paul now lay confined; and told him the whole matter. Then Paul called one of the centurions Who commanded part of the cohort under the tribune; and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain Thus we see that Paul, though he had an express promise of it from Christ, did not neglect any proper means of safety. The chief captain took him by the hand In a mild, condescending way; and went aside privately Where none could overhear them speaking; and asked what he had to tell him Lysias seems to have conducted this whole affair with great integrity, humanity, and prudence. So the chief captain Having received the information which the young man had to give; let him depart, charging him to tell no man what things they were that he had communicated.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
See notes on verse 12
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
We know nothing more about Paul’s sister than what Luke stated here. She may have lived in Jerusalem, Tarsus, or elsewhere. Obviously her son, Paul’s nephew, sided with his uncle rather than with the assassins. This is the only reference to Paul’s immediate family in the New Testament. Other writers used the Greek word neanian, translated "young man" (Act 23:17), of persons in their twenties and thirties as well as younger men (cf. Act 7:58; Act 20:9). However, Act 23:19 suggests that he may have been younger than a teenager. Paul could receive visitors in the barracks where he was a prisoner since he was a Roman citizen in protective custody. He could also summon a centurion to do his bidding, which he did here.
"I find today that there is a group of super-pious folk, very sincere and very well-meaning, which tells me I should not go to a doctor concerning my cancer or other illnesses but that I should trust the Lord to heal me. Well, I certainly do trust the Lord; I have turned my case over to the Great Physician, and I believe He provides doctors. It would have been a simple thing for Paul to have told his nephew, ’Thanks for telling me the news, but I’m trusting the Lord-so you can go back home.’ But we find here that Paul used the privileges of his Roman citizenship which were available to him. Obviously the Lord provides these means and He expects us to use them. This in no way means that we are not trusting Him. Rather, we are trusting God to use the methods and the means to accomplish His purpose." [Note: McGee, 4:616.]