King James Version

What Does Acts 23:18 Mean?

Acts 23:18 in the King James Version says “So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to b... — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 23:18 · KJV


Context

16

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

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.

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.

19

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately , and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

20

And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance trusting God's protection with using wisdom and available resources in threatening situations?
  2. What does Paul's family connection in Jerusalem teach about maintaining relationships even when ministry takes you far from home?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
1 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν2 of 27
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν3 of 27

So

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

παραλαβὼν4 of 27

he took

G3880

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

αὐτὸν5 of 27

him

G846

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

ἀγαγεῖν6 of 27

and brought

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

πρὸς7 of 27

him to

G4314

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,

τὸν8 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χιλίαρχον9 of 27

the chief captain

G5506

the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel

καὶ10 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φησίν11 of 27

said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

12 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δέσμιος13 of 27

the prisoner

G1198

a captive (as bound)

Παῦλος14 of 27

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

προσκαλεσάμενός15 of 27

called

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

με16 of 27

me

G3165

me

ἠρώτησεν17 of 27

unto him and prayed me

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

τοῦτον18 of 27

this

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

τὸν19 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νεανίαν20 of 27

young man

G3494

a youth (up to about forty years)

ἀγαγεῖν21 of 27

and brought

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

πρὸς22 of 27

him to

G4314

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,

σέ23 of 27

thee

G4571

thee

ἔχοντά24 of 27

who hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τι25 of 27

something

G5100

some or any person or object

λαλῆσαί26 of 27

to say

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

σοι27 of 27

unto thee

G4671

to thee


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 23:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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