Acts 23:16
And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
son
G5207
υἱὸς
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
4 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
7 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τό
G3588
τό
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔνεδρον
of their lying in wait
G1749
ἔνεδρον
of their lying in wait
Strong's:
G1749
Word #:
9 of 18
an ambush, i.e., (figuratively) murderous design
παραγενόμενος
he went
G3854
παραγενόμενος
he went
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
10 of 18
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεμβολὴν
the castle
G3925
παρεμβολὴν
the castle
Strong's:
G3925
Word #:
15 of 18
a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)
Historical Context
This is the only biblical mention of Paul's sister or nephew, suggesting Paul maintained family ties in Jerusalem despite his conversion. His nephew's access both to the conspiracy's details and to Paul in the fortress shows Providence at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God protected you through unexpected sources or family connections you hadn't anticipated?
- What does this teach about God's care for details in preserving His servants for their appointed work?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's nephew's discovery of the plot demonstrates God's providential protection through natural means. The detail that Paul's sister's son 'heard of their lying in wait' suggests either divine revelation or the young man's access to Jewish circles discussing the conspiracy. God's sovereignty orchestrated protection through family connections and timely intelligence.