The Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem at the insistence of the Jews. The Romans arrested him at the insistence of the Jews. The Jews wanted him arrested because he preached the gospel, and many people were being converted to Jesus Christ. Because of his preaching, many of the Jewish leaders saw their influence and power slipping away.
Killing him was a way to silence him permanently (Acts 23:12-14). They formulated a plot with the chief priests; they planned to ambush Paul and murder him (Acts 23:15). How was Paul able to survive their evil plot?
God saved Paul’s life through an unlikely hero. This young man’s story is recorded in Acts 23:16-22.
What do we know about this unlikely hero?
- He was Paul’s nephew (Acts 23:16). The text says that he was “the son of Paul’s sister.”
- He became aware of important information. He learned of the attempt on Paul’s life. How did he become aware of it? The text doesn’t specifically say. Maybe he overheard the enemies discussing it.
- He courageously told others this information. He told Paul (Acts 23:16). He also told the Roman authorities (Acts 16:17-22). Due to his actions, Paul’s life was saved.
What makes this unlikely hero so remarkable?
- He did what was right despite his youth. Young people can do amazing things in the service of God (1 Timothy 4:12). God sets high expectations for them!
- He did what was right despite being in danger. Even though he could have been killed for being a “snitch,” this young man did what was right. He risked his life to save his uncle. Whenever we have valuable information that can save someone’s life and keep them from danger, we must share it!
- He did what was right despite being vastly outnumbered. He was not intimated by the more than forty enemies of Paul or the Roman authorities. He did what was right, even though his actions were not popular. Will we also possess the same kind of courage?
Conclusion:
While we seek to do what is right in a dark and sinful world, we are never truly alone (Matthew 28:20).
