Acts 23:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
παραλαβὼν
he took
G3880
παραλαβὼν
he took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
4 of 27
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀγαγεῖν
and brought
G71
ἀγαγεῖν
and brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
πρὸς
him to
G4314
πρὸς
him to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 27
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 #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλίαρχον
the chief captain
G5506
χιλίαρχον
the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
9 of 27
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φησίν
said
G5346
φησίν
said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
11 of 27
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
14 of 27
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
προσκαλεσάμενός
called
G4341
προσκαλεσάμενός
called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
15 of 27
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
ἠρώτησεν
unto him and prayed me
G2065
ἠρώτησεν
unto him and prayed me
Strong's:
G2065
Word #:
17 of 27
to interrogate; by implication, to request
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγαγεῖν
and brought
G71
ἀγαγεῖν
and brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
21 of 27
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
πρὸς
him to
G4314
πρὸς
him to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
22 of 27
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,
Historical Context
Paul's sister apparently lived in Jerusalem, perhaps with her son. That the nephew learned of the conspiracy suggests the conspirators discussed plans openly, confident in community support. Roman military procedures allowed prisoners to receive visitors and send messages, especially those not yet convicted. This access proved crucial to Paul's survival.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance trusting God's protection with using wisdom and available resources in threatening situations?
- What does Paul's family connection in Jerusalem teach about maintaining relationships even when ministry takes you far from home?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul the prisoner called me unto him—Despite chains, Paul retained relational influence and strategic awareness. The young man was Paul's nephew (v. 16), showing Paul's family connections in Jerusalem. That Paul summoned him (προσκαλέω, proskaleō) indicates Paul had freedom to receive visitors even under custody. Prayed me to bring this young man unto thee—The verb erōtaō (asked/requested) shows Paul's courtesy. He didn't demand but requested, modeling respectful engagement with authority.
Who hath something to say unto thee—The centurion's willingness to escort the nephew to the tribune reveals Roman military's openness to information that might prevent bloodshed. Paul's strategic use of this opportunity shows wisdom: he could have relied solely on divine protection, but he utilized available means. God's providence worked through natural means—the nephew's discovery of the plot, the centurion's cooperation, and the tribune's protective response.