Acts 23:18
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 to the commander
The phrase "So he took him" indicates immediate action and obedience. The Greek word for "took" (ἄγω, agō) implies leading or bringing someone with purpose. This reflects the urgency and importance of the message the young man carried. The "commander" (χιλίαρχος, chiliarchos) was a Roman military officer in charge of a thousand soldiers, highlighting the Roman authority and order present in Jerusalem. This setting underscores the tension between Roman law and Jewish customs, a recurring theme in Acts.

and said, 'Paul the prisoner sent
"Paul the prisoner" is a poignant reminder of Paul's current status. The Greek word for "prisoner" (δέσμιος, desmios) signifies one who is bound or in chains, yet Paul’s spiritual freedom and mission remain unshackled. His identity as a prisoner does not diminish his authority or the respect he commands. The word "sent" (πέμπω, pempō) indicates a deliberate action, showing Paul's strategic thinking even in captivity. This reflects the sovereignty of God in using Paul's circumstances to further the Gospel.

and asked me to bring this young man to you
The phrase "asked me to bring" shows Paul's reliance on others to carry out his plans, a testament to the body of Christ working together. The Greek word for "asked" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) can also mean to exhort or encourage, suggesting Paul's persuasive and earnest nature. The "young man" (νεανίας, neanias) is traditionally understood to be Paul's nephew, indicating the involvement of family in God's providential plan. This highlights the importance of family and community in the early Church.

He has something to tell you
The phrase "He has something to tell you" emphasizes the significance of the message. The Greek word for "tell" (ἀναγγέλλω, anangellō) means to report or announce, often used in the context of divine revelation. This underscores the gravity of the information, which is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan for Paul. The urgency and importance of the message reflect the divine orchestration at work, ensuring that Paul’s mission continues despite opposition.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
A central figure in the New Testament, Paul is an apostle who is imprisoned at this time. His dedication to spreading the Gospel is unwavering, even in chains.

2. The Young Man
This is Paul's nephew, who has overheard a plot against Paul and is bringing this information to the Roman commander through an intermediary.

3. The Commander
The Roman officer in charge of Paul's custody. He plays a crucial role in ensuring Paul's safety by listening to the young man's report.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place. It is a significant location for early Christian history and the site of much of Paul's ministry and trials.

5. The Plot
A conspiracy by more than forty Jews to kill Paul, which is thwarted by the young man's intervention.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Protection
Even in dire circumstances, God orchestrates events to protect His servants. Paul's life is preserved through the timely intervention of his nephew.

The Importance of Courageous Action
The young man's bravery in approaching the commander demonstrates the importance of taking action when we are aware of wrongdoing or danger.

The Role of Divine Providence
God's providence is evident as He uses ordinary people and situations to fulfill His purposes. This encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when it is not immediately visible.

The Power of Intercession
Paul's ability to send his nephew to the commander highlights the importance of intercession and advocacy, both spiritually and practically.

Faithfulness in Trials
Paul's situation reminds believers to remain faithful and steadfast in trials, trusting that God is working behind the scenes for their good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the young man's intervention in Acts 23:18 demonstrate the importance of being attentive to God's leading in our lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of Acts 23, and how can this encourage us in our own trials?

3. How does Paul's situation in Acts 23:18 relate to his teachings on perseverance and faith in his epistles?

4. What practical steps can we take to be courageous like the young man in Acts 23:18 when we encounter situations that require us to stand up for what is right?

5. How can we apply the concept of divine providence in Acts 23:18 to our understanding of God's role in our daily lives and decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 9
Paul's conversion and calling by Jesus Christ, which sets the stage for his missionary journeys and eventual imprisonment.

Acts 22
Paul's defense before the crowd in Jerusalem, leading to his arrest and the events of Acts 23.

2 Timothy 4:17
Paul's acknowledgment of the Lord's deliverance from every evil attack, reflecting his trust in God's protection.

Psalm 91
A psalm of God's protection, which can be seen as a spiritual backdrop to the events of Acts 23.
The Powers that Act on Us from WithoutW. Clarkson Acts 23:11-24
Confederacy in EvilH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 23:11-35
Divine AssistanceK. Gerok.Acts 23:11-35
Divine ProtectionLisco.Acts 23:11-35
Evil-Doing by ProxyH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 23:11-35
Good Cheer from Past and Future ServiceC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 23:11-35
Paul in the Castle At JerusalemA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 23:11-35
Paul's Final Departure from JerusalemD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 23:11-35
Paul's VisionS. S. TimesActs 23:11-35
The AssassinsJ. A. Broadus, D. D.Acts 23:11-35
The Call from HeavenK. Gerok.Acts 23:11-35
The Conspiracy Against PaulW. G. Sperry.Acts 23:11-35
The Plot of the JewsK. Gerok.Acts 23:11-35
The Vision in the Castle of AntoniaF. G. Marchant.Acts 23:11-35
Conspiracy DefeatedR.A. Redford Acts 23:12-35
Paul At CaesareaE. Johnson Acts 23:12-35
How to Treat Young MenJ. W. Burn.Acts 23:16-22
Paul's Sister's SonJ. Thain Davidson, D. D.Acts 23:16-22
Paul's Sister's SonS. S. TimesActs 23:16-22
Paul's Sister's SonJ. W. Burn.Acts 23:16-22
People
Ananias, Claudius, Felix, Herod, Paul
Places
Antipatris, Caesarea, Cilicia, Jerusalem, Rome
Topics
Begged, Bring, Captain, Centurion, Chief, Chiliarch, Commander, Commanding, Indeed, Lead, Led, Officer, Paul, Prayed, Prisoner, Request, Says, Summoned, Tribune, Youth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 23:12-21

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 23:12-24

     5681   family, nature of
     8720   double-mindedness

Acts 23:16-21

     5978   warning

Acts 23:16-24

     6634   deliverance

Acts 23:17-18

     5250   centurion

Acts 23:17-23

     5261   commander

Library
Christ's Witnesses
'And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.'--ACTS xxiii. 11. It had long been Paul's ambition to 'preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also.' His settled policy, as shown by this Book of the Acts, was to fly at the head, to attack the great centres of population. We trace him from Antioch to Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus; and of course Rome was the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Plot Detected
'And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they bad killed Paul. 13. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. 14. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to-morrow, as
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Witness of Our Own Spirit
"This is our rejoicing, the testimony of out conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world." 2 Cor. 1:12 1. Such is the voice of every true believer in Christ, so long as he abides in faith and love. "He that followeth me," saith our Lord, "walketh not in darkness:" And while he hath the light, he rejoiceth therein. As he hath "received the Lord Jesus Christ," so he walketh in him; and while he walketh
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Antipatris. Caphar Salama.
We find this town marked out heretofore by a double name, if we believe some. 1. It is called Caphar Salama by some, of which mention is made by Josephus, and the Book of the Maccabees. 2. Capharzaba by Josephus himself: "But Alexander, fearing his" [Antiochus Dionysius] "coming, digs a deep trench, beginning at Capharzaba, which is now called Antipatris, unto the sea of Joppa, a hundred and fifty furlongs." Note, by the way, from Joppa to Antipatris is a hundred and fifty furlongs, that is, eighteen
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Whether Discord is a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that discord is not a sin. For to disaccord with man is to sever oneself from another's will. But this does not seem to be a sin, because God's will alone, and not our neighbor's, is the rule of our own will. Therefore discord is not a sin. Objection 2: Further, whoever induces another to sin, sins also himself. But it appears not to be a sin to incite others to discord, for it is written (Acts 23:6) that Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether an Angel is Altogether Incorporeal?
Objection 1: It would seem that an angel is not entirely incorporeal. For what is incorporeal only as regards ourselves, and not in relation to God, is not absolutely incorporeal. But Damascene says (De Fide Orth. ii) that "an angel is said to be incorporeal and immaterial as regards us; but compared to God it is corporeal and material. Therefore he is not simply incorporeal." Objection 2: Further, nothing is moved except a body, as the Philosopher says (Phys. vi, text 32). But Damascene says (De
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
1. Some general principles with regard to the nature of vows. Superstitious errors not only of the heathen, but of Christians, in regard to vows. 2. Three points to be considered with regard to vows. First, to whom the vow is made--viz. to God. Nothing to be vowed to him but what he himself requires. 3. Second, Who we are that vow. We must measure our strength, and have regard to our calling. Fearful errors of the Popish clergy by not attending to this. Their vow of celibacy. 4. Third point to be
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Paul in the Temple
'And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him. 28. Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Christian State
Scripture references: Matthew 22:17-22; 17:24-27; Acts 23:5; John 6:15; Matthew 4:8-10; John 18:36-38; Mark 14; 61,62; John 18:33; 19:19; Isaiah 9:6,7; 60:3; Zechariah 9:10; Daniel 7:14; Matthew 26:64; 26:53,54; 16:16,17; 25:31,32. CHRIST AND THE STATE The Relation of Christ to the State.--He was an intense patriot. He loved His country. The names of His great countrymen, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua and David, were ever on His lips. He offered Himself as the national Messiah (Matthew 21:1-17),
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Quirinius the Governor of Syria
WE come now to the last serious difficulty in Luke's account of the "First Enrollment". He says that it occurred while Quirinius was administering Syria. The famous administration of Syria by Quirinius lasted from about AD. 6 to 9; and during that time occurred the" Great Enrollment" and valuation of property in Palestine. [94] Obviously the incidents described by Luke are irreconcilable with that date. There was found near Tibur (Tivoli) in AD. 1764 a fragment of marble with part of an inscription,
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

As, when we Read in the Gospel, "Thou Hast Received a Blow in The...
27. As, when we read in the Gospel, "Thou hast received a blow in the face, make ready the other cheek." [2339] Now as an example of patience can none be found than that of the Lord Himself more potent and excellent; but He, when smitten on the cheek, said not, Behold here is the other cheek, but He said, "If I have spoken ill, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou Me?" [2340] Where He shows that the preparation of the other cheek is to be done in the heart. Which also the Apostle
St. Augustine—On Lying

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

First Stage of Jewish Trial. Examination by Annas.
(Friday Before Dawn.) ^D John XVIII. 12-14, 19-23. ^d 12 So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, 13 and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. [For confusion in the priesthood, etc., see pp. 64 and 528.] 14 Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. [See p. 528. John restates this fact to remind the reader that Jesus was about
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 5 "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you: Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For verily
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Pharisee and the Publican
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.-- Luke, xviii. 10-13. In the beginning
John Bunyan—The Pharisee And Publican

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Apostle's Position and Circumstances
PHILIPPIANS i. 12-20 Disloyal "brethren"--Interest of the paragraph--The victory of patience--The Praetorian sentinel--Separatism, and how it was met--St Paul's secret--His "earnest expectation"--"Christ magnified"--"In my body" St Paul has spoken his affectionate greeting to the Philippians, and has opened to them the warm depths of his friendship with them in the Lord. What he feels towards them "in the heart of Christ Jesus," what he prays for them in regard of the growth and fruit of their
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

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