Acts 23:17
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 20
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔφη
unto him and said
G5346
ἔφη
unto him and said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
8 of 20
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
Τὸν
G3588
Τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 20
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλίαρχον
the chief captain
G5506
χιλίαρχον
the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
15 of 20
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Historical Context
Prisoners of Paul's status (Roman citizen) had rights including receiving visitors and communicating with authorities. The centurion's immediate compliance suggests Paul had earned respect through his bearing and Roman citizenship.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you work within proper authorities and systems rather than circumventing them, even when unjustly restrained?
- What does Paul's example teach about trusting God's providence through institutional channels?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's request to bring his nephew to the chief captain shows wisdom in using proper channels rather than attempting escape or taking matters into his own hands. His calm cooperation with Roman authority, even while imprisoned, demonstrates trust in God's providence working through established systems. This contrasts sharply with the conspirators' violent lawlessness.