Acts 23:16-22 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.… The incident teaches us — I. THAT UNKNOWN MEN MAY BE IMMORTALISED — By association with a good cause. All unknown to himself, this unknown youth was identifying himself with the cause of Christ, and thus obtains a few lines in the Christian book which has made him famous in every clime. No matter how humble a part a man may play in God's Church or in the cause of humanity, there is a record kept which will one day be read out before an assembled universe. II. THAT FEEBLE INSTRUMENTALITIES MAY BE CAPABLE OF THE MIGHTIEST SERVICE. This youth could mot have done what his uncle afterwards did, but without his nephew's help Paul himself would have been unable to do it. We may thank Paul's sister's son for Paul's testimony at Rome and for some of his great Epistles. And, as this narrative shows, he got prompt credit for it, which is not usually the case. And yet where would commerce, e.g., be but for young men? We wonder at the stupendous business done by a certain house, and admire the genius of its head; but where would he be but for the army of clerks, apprentices, etc., who are behind him? Is the comparative stagnation of the Church due to its neglect of young men? III. THAT THE BEST-CONSTRUCTED SCHEMES MAY BE FOILED BY INSIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS. Nothing could have been better laid than this plot. No means likely to ensure success were omitted. Craft, power, and prestige were on the side of the conspirators. But "murder will out." A hint was somehow dropped, somewhere, and by some means was wafted to the ears of Paul's nephew — that was all. God has strange ways of frustrating wickedness. He does not need the aid of thunder nor lightning. A mysterious line in a letter, the prattle of a little child, a trifling accident occasioning a moment's delay, the unaccountable misdirection of a message are enough. IV. THAT EVIL ONCE DISCOVERED SHOULD BE UNMASKED. The prompt action of this young man cannot be too widely imitated. When opportunity serves, the wrong-doer of course should be confronted with the hope of his reformation. But there are circumstances in which evil should meet with a summary and public exposure. Knowledge without revelation may be guilty complicity. V. THAT GOOD MEN SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY. Paul might have been indifferent, relying on the Divine promise; but God's promises are often fulfilled by the use of means. The best men often display lamentable carelessness about interests which are dear to Christ and the Church. But no one ought to be above advice to take care of his health, and defend his reputation. VI. THAT DUTY ONCE UNDERTAKEN SHOULD BE BRAVELY CARRIED THROUGH. Paul's nephew probably little expected so august an interview, and very likely would have shrunk from it if he had. But plucking up courage, he told the grim warrior all he had related to his gentler uncle. Let no man, having put his hand to the plough, look back. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. |
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