AP

Acts 23:16   But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

Paul was in quite considerable danger.  The message he preached wherever he went was not only drawing Jewish people away from Rabbinic Judaism and therefore undermining the powerbase of the Sanhedrin, it was condemning their action nearly 30 years earlier in orchestrating the cruel crucifixion of their Messiah!

Because of this, there was no way they could afford to let him continue.  Somehow they would have to resort to their usual casuistry to justify their setting aside the requirements of the Sixth and Ninth Commandments and have him killed by means of an underhand plot!

But God had just given Paul a promise: “Take courage!  As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11).  It is significant to note that, more often than not, God keeps his promises by using ORDINARY HUMAN agencies.  Paul’s nephew was probably quite young (cf 19), but the sovereign Lord ARRANGED for him, not only to overhear the murder plans of the Jewish leaders, but to have the courage, insight and resourcefulness to do something about it.

God uses ordinary people in ordinary circumstances to do extraordinary things; are we always open to his leading and empowering as we seek to live out our lives in obedience to his Word?  Are we trusting him for his care and protection as we face difficult circumstances?
– Bruce Christian