Acts 23:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:17 mean?

Acts 23:17 describes Paul asking a Roman centurion to take a young man to the chief captain because the young man has important information to share. Paul is taking steps to make sure this message reaches someone in authority.

In this scene, Paul is a prisoner in Jerusalem and has just learned that a plot against his life is underway. The "young man" is Paul's nephew, who has overheard the plot. Paul calls over one of the centurions (a Roman officer) and instructs him to bring the young man to the "chief captain" (the Roman commander in charge), showing Paul's trust in the Roman system to protect him and his concern for getting the warning to the right person.

The Greek behind Acts 23:17

• The word for "centurions" (ἐκατοντάρχης, hekatontarchēs) refers to a Roman officer in charge of about a hundred soldiers. This highlights that Paul is interacting with significant Roman authority, not just any soldier.
• The phrase "chief captain" (χιλίαρχος, chiliarchos) means a commander of a thousand soldiers, showing the high rank of the person Paul wants the young man to see. This adds weight to the urgency and seriousness of the message.
• The word "bring" (ἀπάγω, apagō) carries the sense of leading someone away or escorting them, suggesting that the young man is being given official, protected access to the commander, not just sent on his own.

Why Acts 23:17 matters

• This verse shows Paul's practical wisdom and resourcefulness in a dangerous situation, using his rights and connections within the Roman system.
• It highlights the seriousness of the threat against Paul and the need for immediate action, setting up the events that follow in the chapter.
• The involvement of Roman officials emphasizes the larger theme in Acts of God's protection over Paul through unexpected means, including the Roman authorities.