Acts 23:16

Paul’s sister’s son. This is the only reference to relatives of Paul in Jerusalem. He did have relatives in Rome (Rom. 16:7, 11), and apparently in Corinth (v. 21). It has been suggested that Paul’s nephew was studying in Jerusalem, as Paul had done before him (see on Acts 22:3). There is no evidence that either the sister or the nephew was a Christian.

He went. Literally, “having come near,” possibly “having been present.” Some have suggested that this applies to Paul’s nephew’s hearing the plot rather than to his reporting it to Paul. Possibly he was present when the plot was laid, or accidentally overheard it.

Entered into the castle. Being detained as much for his own protection as for anything else, the apostle was apparently privileged to receive his friends. Roman law provided for three kinds of custody: (1) confinement of ordinary men in the public jail, (2) assignment of men of high rank to the personal custody of a magistrate or senator, who became responsible for their appearance on the day of trial, and (3) military custody, the accused being placed in charge of a soldier who was held responsible with his life for the prisoner’s safekeeping, and whose left hand normally was secured by a chain to the prisoner’s right. Paul was now under military custody (see on v. 18).