Paul's nephew, a young man probably in his early twenties, heard of this plot (literally "ambush"; Josh 8:7, 9 LXX). He reports it to Paul, who then sends him with his message up the chain of command through a centurion to the commander.

Since Paul's imprisonment, like most incarceration in ancient times, is not a punishment but a custody until his case can be determined (in Paul's case it is also protective custody), his nephew's access to him is not unusual. That Paul can call for a centurion to take the young man to the tribune, and that the "command" would be obeyed, reflects not only his status as a Roman citizen but also the urgency of his message.

As the centurion reports to the commander, he gives Paul a title that will become for the apostle a mark of persecution and a badge of honor. From now on Paul is consistently "Paul, the prisoner" (23:18; 25:14, 27). For freedom-loving ancients to identify with someone in prison, deprived of liberty because of alleged or proven wrongdoing, could be a matter of shame (2 Tim 1:8). But for Paul that shame turns to honor when he lengthens the title to say "Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus" or "prisoner for the Lord" (Eph 3:1; 4:1; Philem 1, 9). So may all Christians who suffer shameful circumstances in persecution realize the honor that rests on them because of the One for whom they suffer.

In a kindly (by the hand) and discreet (drew him aside) way, the commander interrogates the nephew. Evidently the Sanhedrin has already lodged its request, for the young man urges the tribune, Don't give in to (peisthes; better "yield to, be persuaded by") them. The commander takes the plot seriously, asking the young man to depart and not tell anyone that he has reported this.

This unmasking of the plot is a silent witness to God's providential ruling and overruling in the affairs of humankind to fulfill his saving purposes (Prov 21:30; Is 8:10). Human beings play an essential role. The courageous nephew, the determined apostle, the compliant centurion and the discerning tribune all are essential to seeing that the cunning plot is foiled. Here is the first time the promise of the night vision, "so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11), guides Paul as he responds to unfolding events. Strong courage must be matched by canny wisdom if the persecuted witness is to avoid a premature death.