Acts 23:17

17 and Paul called one of the Captains and said, "Take this young man to the Tribune, for he has information to give him."

Acts 23:17 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 23:17

Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him
For under this chief captain there must have been ten of them, if the company of which he was captain consisted of a thousand men, as his title chief captain or chiliarch imports; for a centurion was over an hundred men, as his title signifies; perhaps this might be the same, as in ( Acts 22:25 Acts 22:26 )

and said, bring this young man to the chief captain:
which was a very prudential step, not to let the centurion into the secret, but to desire him to introduce the young man to the chief captain; for had he trusted the centurion with it, he might not have acquainted his officer with it, but have informed the liers in wait of it: now though the apostle was assured by Christ that he should not die at Jerusalem, but should bear witness of him at Rome, and though he did not distrust the truth of Christ's words, but most firmly believed them; yet he thought it his duty to make use of the means, which providence had put in his way, for his preservation and safety; the Ethiopic version reads, "bring this young man by night to the chief captain"; that so he might not be seen, and observed to have carried any intelligence to him:

for he hath a certain thing to tell him;
which was of some moment and importance, and proper for him to know.

Acts 23:17 In-Context

15 Now therefore you and the Sanhedrin should make representations to the Tribune for him to bring him down to you, under the impression that you intend to inquire more minutely about him; and we are prepared to assassinate him before he comes near the place."

16 But Paul's sister's son heard of the intended attack upon him. So he came and went into the barracks and told Paul about it;

17 and Paul called one of the Captains and said, "Take this young man to the Tribune, for he has information to give him."

18 So he took him and brought him to the Tribune, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, called me to him and begged me to bring this youth to you, because he has something to say to you."

19 Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?