Paragraph 23:16–18

23:16a–b

But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul: As a result of hearing of the plot, Paul’s nephew went to Paul to tell him. In some languages it is more natural to clearly indicate that connection. For example:

But the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot; so he went to the fort and told Paul. (Good News Translation)

the son of Paul’s sister: If your language has a specific word for “the son of a sister,” you should use it here.

Paul’s sister: It is not known whether Paul’s sister was older or younger than Paul.

plot: This word refers to the plans of the forty men in 23:12–15. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as plot here can also mean “secret attack.” The conspirators plan a secret attack. They would gather somewhere between the barracks and the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. They would act like normal people until Paul was near, then they would attack him. Both meanings are correct here.

23:16a

But: Some English versions see contrast here. Some languages would see contrast here between what the conspirators plan and what Paul’s nephew does. But some languages would not see contrast here. For example:

Now (Revised Standard Version)

(Here the word “Now” indicates a new part of the story and is not a time word.)

23:16b

he went into the barracks: The Greek words are literally “and having come and having entered into the barracks.” It implies that Paul’s nephew had to ask the guards at the door to allow him to enter the barracks. For example:

he went and gained entrance to the barracks (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
going to the barracks, obtained entry, (Revised English Bible)
-or-
he went to the barracks and ⌊the soldiers let⌋ him go in

The Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions are not concerned with this implied information and omit “and having entered” as redundant.

barracks: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as barracks means “a place where soldiers lived.” Here it refers to the stone fortress next to the temple. See how you translated this word in 23:10.

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