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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 23:16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/23-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/44_Act_23_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 23:16 - The Plot to Kill Paul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when the son of Paul's sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/23-15.htm" title="Acts 23:15">◄</a> Acts 23:16 <a href="/acts/23-17.htm" title="Acts 23:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/23.htm">New International Version</a> But when the son of Paul&#8217s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/nlt/acts/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. <a href="/esv/acts/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But the son of Paul's sister, having heard of the ambush, having come near and having entered into the barracks, reported it to Paul. <a href="/kjv/acts/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. <a href="/nkjv/acts/23.htm">New King James Version</a> So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/nasb_/acts/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the son of Paul’s sister heard about their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/nasb/acts/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> But the son of Paul&#8217s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/nasb77/acts/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/lsb/acts/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, he came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul. <a href="/amp/acts/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their [planned] ambush, and he went to the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/csb/acts/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul. <a href="/hcsb/acts/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But the son of Paul&#8217s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul. <a href="/asv/acts/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle and told Paul. <a href="/cev/acts/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Paul's nephew heard about the plot, he went to the fortress and told Paul about it. <a href="/erv/acts/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle, and told Paul. <a href="/gwt/acts/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Paul's nephew heard about the ambush. He entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/gnt/acts/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> But the son of Paul's sister heard about the plot; so he went to the fort and told Paul. <a href="/isv/acts/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> But the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush, so he came and got into the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/msb/acts/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But when the son of Paul?s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/net/acts/23.htm">NET Bible</a> But when the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush, he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/nheb/acts/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul. <a href="/wbt/acts/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when the son of Paul's sister heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But Paul's sister's son heard of the intended attack upon him. So he came and went into the barracks and told Paul about it; <a href="/web/acts/23.htm">World English Bible</a> But Paul’s sister’s son heard they were lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the son of Paul’s sister having heard of the lying in wait, having gone and entered into the stronghold, told Paul, <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But the son of Paul's sister, having heard of the ambush, having come near and having entered into the barracks, reported it to Paul. <a href="/ylt/acts/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the son of Paul's sister having heard of the lying in wait, having gone and entered into the castle, told Paul, <a href="/slt/acts/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Paul's sister's son having heard of the ambuscade, having approached, and come into the camp, announced to Paul.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Which when Paul's sister's son had heard, of their lying in wait, he came and entered into the castle and told Paul. <a href="/cpdv/acts/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But when Paul’s sister’s son had heard of this, about their treachery, he went and entered into the fortress, and he reported it to Paul. <a href="/nabre/acts/23.htm">New American Bible</a> The son of Paul’s sister, however, heard about the ambush; so he went and entered the compound and reported it to Paul. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush; so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When Paul’s nephew heard this plot, he went into the castle and told Paul. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And the son of Paulus' sister heard this plot, and he entered the encampment and informed Paulus.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But the son of Paul's sister heard of the plot, and he went and entered the fortress, and told Paul. <a href="/godbey/acts/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the son of Paul's sister, having heard of ambuscade, coming and entering into the castle, reported it to Paul. <a href="/haweis/acts/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now Paul?s sister?s son having heard of their lying in wait, came, and entering into the fortress told Paul. <a href="/mace/acts/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Paul's sister's son hearing of the ambuscade, went to the castle, and being admitted, told Paul; <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But Paul's sister's son heard of the intended attack upon him. So he came and went into the barracks and told Paul about it; <a href="/worrell/acts/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the son of Paul's sister, hearing of their lying in wait, going and entering into the castle, reported it to Paul. <a href="/worsley/acts/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But Paul's sister's son, hearing of the ambush, came and entered into the castle, and told Paul. <a href="/parallel/acts/23-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7817" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">The Plot to Kill Paul</a> …15Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.” 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But when</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huios (N-NMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">son</a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulou (N-GMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">of Paul’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/79.htm" title="79: adelphēs (N-GFS) -- A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister.">sister</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Akousas (V-APA-NMS) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">heard about</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1747.htm" title="1747: enedran (N-AFS) -- An ambush, plot, treachery, fraud. Feminine from en and the base of hedraios; an ambuscade, i.e. murderous purpose.">plot,</a> <a href="/greek/3854.htm" title="3854: paragenomenos (V-APM-NMS) -- From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.">he went</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3925.htm" title="3925: parembolēn (N-AFS) -- From a compound of para and emballo; a throwing in beside, i.e., battle-array, encampment or barracks.">barracks</a> <a href="/greek/518.htm" title="518: apēngeilen (V-AIA-3S) -- To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.">and told</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulō (N-DMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul.</a> 17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Acts 9:23-25</a> After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. / One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Acts 25:3</a> to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">2 Corinthians 11:32-33</a> In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp. <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Acts 22:30</a> The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them. <a href="/acts/21-30.htm">Acts 21:30-31</a> The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Acts 24:1-9</a> Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented to the governor their case against Paul. / When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. / In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. ... <a href="/acts/27-42.htm">Acts 27:42-43</a> The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. / But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Acts 14:5-6</a> But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, / they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Acts 20:3</a> where he stayed three months. And when the Jews formed a plot against him as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” <a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Acts 12:11</a> Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” <a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19-20</a> But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” <a href="/acts/4-21.htm">Acts 4:21</a> After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened. <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Acts 16:27-28</a> When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. / But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” <a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Acts 19:29-31</a> Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. / Paul wanted to go before the assembly, but the disciples would not allow him. / Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.when.<a href="/job/5-13.htm">Job 5:13</a> He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.<a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a> There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.<a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">Lamentations 3:37</a> Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?he went.<a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">2 Samuel 17:17</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/obadiah/1-7.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/acts/22-24.htm">Army</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/acts/23-10.htm">Barracks</a> <a href="/acts/22-24.htm">Building</a> <a href="/acts/23-10.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Design</a> <a href="/acts/21-26.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/acts/22-24.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/acts/22-26.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Intended</a> <a href="/acts/20-19.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">News</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Paul's</a> <a href="/acts/23-13.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/john/19-25.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-32.htm">Sister's</a> <a href="/acts/22-16.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">Army</a> <a href="/acts/23-28.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/acts/23-32.htm">Barracks</a> <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Building</a> <a href="/acts/23-32.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/acts/23-30.htm">Design</a> <a href="/acts/23-33.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/acts/23-32.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/acts/24-22.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/acts/23-30.htm">Intended</a> <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/acts/23-17.htm">News</a> <a href="/acts/23-17.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Paul's</a> <a href="/acts/23-30.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/romans/16-1.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">Sister's</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/acts/23-22.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 23</div>1. <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">As Paul pleads his cause,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Ananias commands them to strike him.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Dissension among his accusers.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">God encourages him.</a> 14. <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">The Jews' vow to kill Paul,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">is declared unto the chief captain.</a> 27. <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">He sends him to Felix the governor.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot This phrase introduces a lesser-known family member of Paul, highlighting the personal connections Paul maintained despite his extensive missionary journeys. The mention of Paul's sister's son suggests that Paul had family residing in Jerusalem, which was a central hub for Jewish life and early Christianity. The plot refers to the conspiracy by more than forty Jews who vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (<a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-13</a>). This reflects the intense opposition Paul faced from Jewish leaders who saw him as a threat to their religious authority and traditions. The nephew's awareness of the plot indicates that he was either in a position to overhear such plans or had connections that informed him, showcasing the providential care of God in protecting Paul.he went into the barracks and told Paul The barracks refer to the Antonia Fortress, a military installation in Jerusalem where Roman soldiers were stationed. It was located near the Temple Mount, providing a strategic position for maintaining order in the city. Paul's imprisonment here underscores the Roman involvement in Jewish affairs and their role in protecting Paul from the Jewish leaders' plots. The nephew's access to the barracks suggests that he had some level of freedom and courage, as approaching a Roman military installation would not have been without risk. His decision to inform Paul directly demonstrates loyalty and the importance of family ties, as well as the urgency of the situation. This act of intervention is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it sets in motion the events that lead to Paul's eventual transfer to Caesarea, ensuring his safety and the continuation of his mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> A key figure in the early Christian church, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee who converted to Christianity and became a missionary and apostle. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_nephew.htm">Paul’s Nephew</a> The son of Paul’s sister, who plays a crucial role in this passage by discovering the plot against Paul and informing him, thus preventing the ambush. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_barracks.htm">The Barracks</a> The place where Paul was being held under Roman protection. It served as a military headquarters and a place of detention. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_ambush_plot.htm">The Ambush Plot</a> A conspiracy by more than forty Jews who vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. This plot was a significant threat to Paul’s life and mission. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_commander.htm">The Roman Commander</a> Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a key figure in the surrounding account, responsible for ensuring Paul’s safety after learning of the plot.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God’s Sovereignty and Protection</a> God often uses unexpected means and people to accomplish His purposes and protect His servants. Paul’s nephew, an otherwise unknown figure, becomes instrumental in God’s plan. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Vigilance</a> As believers, we must be vigilant and aware of the spiritual and physical threats around us. Paul’s nephew was attentive and took action when he learned of the plot. <a href="/topical/c/courage_to_act.htm">Courage to Act</a> The nephew’s courage to approach Paul and later the Roman authorities demonstrates the importance of taking bold steps when we encounter injustice or danger. <a href="/topical/f/family_and_community_support.htm">Family and Community Support</a> The role of Paul’s family highlights the importance of having a supportive community and family who can intervene and assist in times of need. <a href="/topical/d/divine_appointments.htm">Divine Appointments</a> God places people in specific situations for His purposes. We should be open to being used by God in unexpected ways to fulfill His plans.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 23</a> <a href="/q/what_lessons_from_amnon's_bible_story.htm">What lessons does Amnon's story in the Bible teach?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_40-man_plot_to_kill_paul.htm">Acts 23:12–15 – Is there concrete historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of this conspiracy of more than forty men to kill Paul? </a> <a href="/q/who_bought_shechem's_burial_site,_abraham_or_jacob.htm">In Acts 7:16, Stephen says Abraham bought a burial place in Shechem, yet Genesis 33:19 credits Jacob with that purchase. Which account is correct?</a> <a href="/q/does_esther_9_10_conflict_with_accountability.htm">Esther 9:10: Does executing Haman's sons conflict with any biblical principles on individual accountability or moral responsibility?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Paul's sister's son.--The passage is note worthy as being the only reference to any of St. Paul's 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 (<a href="/romans/16-7.htm" title="Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.">Romans 16:7</a>; <a href="/romans/16-11.htm" title="Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.">Romans 16:11</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - But for and when, A.V.: and he came for he went, A.V. Lying in wait; ἐνέδρα, only here and in <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Acts 25:3</a> in the New Testament; but common in the Books of Joshua and Judges in the LXX., and also in classical Greek. <a href="/commentaries/acts/23-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But [when] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. son υἱὸς (huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of Paul’s Παύλου (Paulou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. sister ἀδελφῆς (adelphēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_79.htm">Strong's 79: </a> A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister. heard about Ἀκούσας (Akousas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ambush, ἐνέδραν (enedran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1747.htm">Strong's 1747: </a> An ambush, plot, treachery, fraud. Feminine from en and the base of hedraios; an ambuscade, i.e. murderous purpose. he went παραγενόμενος (paragenomenos) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3854.htm">Strong's 3854: </a> From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. barracks παρεμβολὴν (parembolēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3925.htm">Strong's 3925: </a> From a compound of para and emballo; a throwing in beside, i.e., battle-array, encampment or barracks. [and] told ἀπήγγειλεν (apēngeilen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce. Paul. Παύλῳ (Paulō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/23-16.htm">Acts 23:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/23-16.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 23:16 But Paul's sister's son heard of their (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/23-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 23:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 23:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/23-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 23:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 23:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>