Acts 23:16
New International Version
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

New Living Translation
But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul.

English Standard Version
Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

Berean Standard Bible
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

Berean Literal Bible
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.

King James Bible
And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

New King James Version
So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

New American Standard Bible
But the son of Paul’s sister heard about their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.

NASB 1995
But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.

NASB 1977
But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, he came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.

Amplified Bible
But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their [planned] ambush, and he went to the barracks and told Paul.

Christian Standard Bible
But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.

American Standard Version
But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle and told Paul.

Contemporary English Version
When Paul's nephew heard about the plot, he went to the fortress and told Paul about it.

English Revised Version
But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Paul's nephew heard about the ambush. He entered the barracks and told Paul.

Good News Translation
But the son of Paul's sister heard about the plot; so he went to the fort and told Paul.

International Standard Version
But the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush, so he came and got into the barracks and told Paul.

Majority Standard Bible
But when the son of Paul?s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

NET Bible
But when the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush, he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.

New Heart English Bible
But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the son of Paul's sister heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

Weymouth New Testament
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;

World English Bible
But Paul’s sister’s son heard they were lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the son of Paul’s sister having heard of the lying in wait, having gone and entered into the stronghold, told Paul,

Berean Literal Bible
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.

Young's Literal Translation
And the son of Paul's sister having heard of the lying in wait, having gone and entered into the castle, told Paul,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Paul's sister's son having heard of the ambuscade, having approached, and come into the camp, announced to Paul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which when Paul's sister's son had heard, of their lying in wait, he came and entered into the castle and told Paul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
The son of Paul’s sister, however, heard about the ambush; so he went and entered the compound and reported it to Paul.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush; so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Paul’s nephew heard this plot, he went into the castle and told Paul.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the son of Paulus' sister heard this plot, and he entered the encampment and informed Paulus.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But the son of Paul's sister heard of the plot, and he went and entered the fortress, and told Paul.

Godbey New Testament
And the son of Paul's sister, having heard of ambuscade, coming and entering into the castle, reported it to Paul.

Haweis New Testament
Now Paul?s sister?s son having heard of their lying in wait, came, and entering into the fortress told Paul.

Mace New Testament
Paul's sister's son hearing of the ambuscade, went to the castle, and being admitted, told Paul;

Weymouth New Testament
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;

Worrell New Testament
And the son of Paul's sister, hearing of their lying in wait, going and entering into the castle, reported it to Paul.

Worsley New Testament
But Paul's sister's son, hearing of the ambush, came and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Paul
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.” 16But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”…

Cross References
Acts 9:23-25
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.

Acts 25:3
to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33
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.

Acts 22:30
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.

Acts 21:30-31
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.

Acts 24:1-9
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. ...

Acts 27:42-43
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.

Acts 14:5-6
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,

Acts 20:3
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.

Acts 18:9-10
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.”

Acts 12:11
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.”

Acts 5:19-20
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.”

Acts 4:21
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.

Acts 16:27-28
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!”

Acts 19:29-31
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.


Treasury of Scripture

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

when.

Job 5:13
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Lamentations 3:37
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?

he went.

2 Samuel 17:17
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.

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Ambush Army Attack Barracks Building Castle Design Entered Fortress Heard Intended Lying News Paul Paul's Plot Sister Sister's Wait Word
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Ambush Army Attack Barracks Building Castle Design Entered Fortress Heard Intended Lying News Paul Paul's Plot Sister Sister's Wait Word
Acts 23
1. As Paul pleads his cause,
2. Ananias commands them to strike him.
7. Dissension among his accusers.
11. God encourages him.
14. The Jews' vow to kill Paul,
20. is declared unto the chief captain.
27. He sends him to Felix the governor.














But when the son of Paul’s sister
This phrase introduces a lesser-known figure in the New Testament, highlighting the familial connections of Paul. The Greek word for "sister" is "adelphē," which indicates a close familial bond. This mention of Paul's nephew underscores the importance of family ties even in the early Christian community. Historically, this reference provides a glimpse into Paul's personal life, reminding us that even the most dedicated apostles had family who could play crucial roles in God's plan.

heard about the ambush
The Greek word for "heard" is "akouō," which implies not just hearing but understanding and perceiving. This suggests that Paul's nephew was not only aware of the plot but comprehended its seriousness. The "ambush" refers to the conspiracy by more than forty Jews who vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12-13). This historical context reveals the intense opposition Paul faced and the lengths to which his enemies would go to stop his ministry.

he went into the barracks
The term "barracks" is translated from the Greek "parembolē," which refers to a military encampment or fortress. In this context, it was the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem, where Paul was being held under Roman protection. This action by Paul's nephew demonstrates courage and initiative, as entering a Roman military installation would not have been a trivial matter. It highlights the providential care of God, using unexpected means and people to protect His servants.

and told Paul
The Greek word for "told" is "apaggellō," meaning to announce or report. This act of communication was crucial in thwarting the plot against Paul. It emphasizes the importance of speaking out and taking action when aware of injustice or danger. Scripturally, this moment is a testament to God's sovereignty and the way He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, ensuring that Paul's mission to testify in Rome would not be hindered.

(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 (Romans 16:7; Romans 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.

Verse 16. - But for and when, A.V.: and he came for he went, A.V. Lying in wait; ἐνέδρα, only here and in Acts 25:3 in the New Testament; but common in the Books of Joshua and Judges in the LXX., and also in classical Greek.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But [when]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 5207: 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
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

sister
ἀδελφῆς (adelphēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 79: 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
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 1747: 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
Strong's 3854: From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 3925: 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
Strong's 518: 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
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.


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