¹⁶But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. ¹⁷Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” ¹⁸So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” ¹⁹The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” ²⁰And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. ²¹So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” ²²So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”

Keeping a conspiracy secret was as difficult in those days as it is today. Leaks were common, especially when so many were privy to the plan. There were forty co-conspirators in on the treachery, as well as the entire Sanhedrin. All it would take was one loose mouth. But how would word have gotten to one of Paul’s relatives?

First, we note, this is one of the few references to Paul’s relatives in Scripture. His mother and father are alluded to (Gal. 1:15, 2 Cor. 11:22) but no names are given. Here in this passage, we discover Paul had a sister and nephew living in Jerusalem. They had possibly moved there with the family when Paul was a young man studying under the famed Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Given Paul’s own connection through his relationship with mentor Gamaliel, his previous rise to prominence among his contemporaries (Gal. 1:14), and his previous interactions with the high priest (Acts 9:1), we could assume his relatives in Jerusalem would be equally well-connected. So it is not surprising that his nephew was tipped off about the attempt on Paul’s life. But we note the nephew’s risk in betraying the betrayers of Paul.

That the nephew had access to visit Paul, and that the apostle was able to send him to the commander, reflect both on Paul’s citizenship status and the rapport he often was able to establish with high officials. He was no ordinary prisoner! At Paul’s instruction, the nephew took the report to the commander, who received it under advisement. Yet we see God’s providence in all this, for Paul would not be kept from going to Rome to preach the gospel there (Acts 23:11).

Lord, when I feel imprisoned, I trust in Your sovereign will over my life.