Acts 23:18
New International Version
So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

New Living Translation
So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

English Standard Version
So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
So indeed the one having taken him brought him to the commander, and he says, "Paul the prisoner, having called to me, asked me to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.”

New American Standard Bible
So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me over to him and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

NASB 1995
So 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.”

NASB 1977
So 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.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So 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.”

Amplified Bible
So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called for me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.”

Christian Standard Bible
So he took him, brought him to the commander, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he took him, brought him to the commander, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.”

American Standard Version
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and saith, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and asked me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say to thee.

Contemporary English Version
The officer took him to the commander and said, "The prisoner named Paul asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you."

English Revised Version
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and saith, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and asked me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say to thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sergeant took the young man to the officer and said, "The prisoner Paul called me. He asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."

Good News Translation
The officer took him, led him to the commander, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to say to you."

International Standard Version
So the centurion took him, brought him to the tribune, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
So the centurion took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."

New Heart English Bible
So he took him, and brought him to the commanding officer, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

Webster's Bible Translation
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him, and prayed me to bring this young man to thee, who hath something to say to thee.

Weymouth New Testament
So he took him and brought him to the Tribune, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, called me to him and begged me to bring this youth to you, because he has something to say to you."

World English Bible
So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He indeed, then, having taken him, brought him to the chief captain and says, “The prisoner Paul, having called me near, asked [me] to bring to you this young man, having something to say to you.”

Berean Literal Bible
So indeed the one having taken him brought him to the commander, and he says, "Paul the prisoner, having called to me, asked me to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you."

Young's Literal Translation
He indeed, then, having taken him, brought him unto the chief captain, and saith, 'The prisoner Paul, having called me near, asked me this young man to bring unto thee, having something to say to thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then truly having taken him, he brought to the captain of a thousand, and says, Paul, the bound, having called me, asked to bring this young man to thee, having something to say to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he taking him, brought him to the tribune, and said: Paul, the prisoner, desired me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath some thing to say to thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And indeed, he took him and led him to the tribune, and he said, “Paul, the prisoner, asked me to lead this young man to you, since he has something to say to you.”

New American Bible
So he took him and brought him to the commander and explained, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked that I bring this young man to you; he has something to say to you.”

New Revised Standard Version
So he took him, brought him to the tribune, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you; he has something to tell you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So the centurion took the young man, and brought him to the chief captain and said, Paul, the prisoner, called me and begged me to bring this young man to you, for he has something to tell you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Centurion led the youth and brought him to the Chiliarch and said, “Paulus the prisoner called me and begged me to bring this young man to you, who has something to say to you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So he took him, and led him to the officer, and said: The prisoner Paul called me to him, and requested me to conduct this young man to you; for he has something to tell you.

Godbey New Testament
Then indeed taking him, he led him to the chiliarch, and says, Paul the prisoner, having called me, requested me to lead this young man to you, having something to tell you.

Haweis New Testament
Then he took him, and brought him to the tribune, and said, The prisoner Paul calling me to him, entreated me to bring this young man to thee, having something to say to thee.

Mace New Testament
accordingly he went along with him, and having introduc'd him to the tribune, he said, Paul, who is in custody sent for me, and desired me to introduce this young man, who has something to tell you.

Weymouth New Testament
So he took him and brought him to the Tribune, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, called me to him and begged me to bring this youth to you, because he has something to say to you."

Worrell New Testament
So he, taking him with him, conducted him to the chief captain, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, calling me to him, asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you."

Worsley New Testament
So he took him and brought him to the tribune, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him, and desired me to introduce this young man unto thee, as having something to say to thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot to Kill Paul
17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18So 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.” 19The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?”…

Cross References
Acts 22:25-29
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” / On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.” / The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. ...

Acts 24:23
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.

Acts 25:4-5
But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. / So if this man has done anything wrong, let some of your leaders come down with me and accuse him there.”

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 21:33-34
The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. / Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks.

Acts 26:31-32
On their way out, they said to one another, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” / And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 28:16
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Acts 16:37-39
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” / So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. / They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city.

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 27:1
When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.

Acts 20:22-23
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. / I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

Acts 21:11
Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 25:10-12
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” / Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Acts 28:30-31
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. / Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

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.”


Treasury of Scripture

So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him, and prayed me to bring this young man to you, who has something to say to you.

Paul.

Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts 27:1
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

Acts 28:17
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

something.

Luke 7:40
And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

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Begged Captain Centurion Chief Chiliarch Commander Commanding Indeed Led Officer Paul Prayed Prisoner Request Something Summoned Tribune You Young Youth
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Begged Captain Centurion Chief Chiliarch Commander Commanding Indeed Led Officer Paul Prayed Prisoner Request Something Summoned Tribune You Young Youth
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.














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.

(18) Paul the prisoner . . .--We may well believe that at the time he little thought how long that name would be used of him, first by others and then by himself, until it became as a title of honour in which he seemed to glory almost more than in that of Apostle. (Comp. Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1; Philemon 1:1; Philemon 1:9.)

Verse 18. - Saith for said, A.V.; asked for prayed, A.V.; to for unto, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

[the centurion]
(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.

took him
παραλαβὼν (paralabōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3880: From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative 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.

commander
χιλίαρχον (chiliarchon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

said,
φησίν (phēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

“Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

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.

prisoner
δέσμιος (desmios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1198: One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.

sent
προσκαλεσάμενός (proskalesamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

[and] asked
ἠρώτησεν (ērōtēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.

me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to bring
ἀγαγεῖν (agagein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

this
τοῦτον (touton)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

young man
νεανίσκον (neaniskon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3495: A young man, youth, an attendant. From the same as neanias; a youth.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you.
σέ (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

He has
ἔχοντά (echonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

something
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

to tell
λαλῆσαί (lalēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

you.”
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Apostles: Acts 23:18 So he took him and brought him (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 23:17
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