Acts 23:16

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀκούσας
heard
to hear (in various senses)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
υἱὸς
son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#5
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀδελφῆς
G79
sister's
a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)
#7
Παύλῳ
Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
#8
τό
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἔνεδρον
of their lying in wait
an ambush, i.e., (figuratively) murderous design
#10
παραγενόμενος
he went
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
εἰσελθὼν
entered
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#13
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
παρεμβολὴν
the castle
a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)
#16
ἀπήγγειλεν
and told
to announce
#17
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
Παύλῳ
Paul
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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