And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
Parallel translations
- WEB But Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.
- BSB But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
- NKJV So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
- NASB But the son of Paul’s sister heard about their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.
- NLT But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul's nephew hears of the ambush, goes to the barracks, and warns Paul. God uses an unexpected family member to foil the plot.
Overview
This is the only mention of Paul's relatives in Acts, and the young man's timely action proves decisive. Ordinary providence, working through a boy who happened to learn of the plan, accomplishes God's protective purpose. The Lord who promised Paul would reach Rome provides the means to keep him safe.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Acts 23:10And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
- 1 Cor 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
- Acts 23:32On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
- Job 5:13He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
- Prov 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
- Lam 3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
- 2 Sam 17:17Now 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.
- Acts 21:34And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
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Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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