Primarily I want to focus on one verse this morning: “And when Paul’s SISTER’S SON heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.” Acts 23:16

Another plot has been hatched against Paul. (“Certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.”)

These rebels came to the Sandedrin (chief priests and elders) and concocted a plan to “ambush” Paul while he was being escorted (by armed guard, nonetheless) to a certain meeting hall! (Acts 23:14-15)

But … our verse today … one young man spoiled their devious assassination attempt! And he did so only because he somehow “heard” of their murderous intentions!

So he ” went to the “castle” (a military encampment, fortress, stronghold) where Paul was being held … gained access to his “Uncle Paul” … and told him the story! (That’s called “initiative!”)

Luke takes up here: “Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this YOUNG MAN unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, PAUL THE PRISONER called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the COUNCIL (SANHEDRIN), as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them MORE THAN FORTY MEN, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink TILL THEY HAVE KILLED HIM: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. so the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.” Acts 23:17-22, intrigue! Notice now the great Apostle is simply “Paul the prisoner!”

And … as a result … Paul was spared!

The Chief Captain (with a strong guard of 200 soldiers and 70 additional cavalrymen) sends Paul to Caeserea! (A distance of over 70 miles!)

Paul … clearly safe for now!

Because of a nephew!

Otherwise mentioned nowhere else in Scripture!

I want to write today on the “little things” God uses in our lives!

Like the “sleepless night” that spared the Nation of Israel during the days of Haman, another plot spoiled!

Like the insignificant “rooster” which crowed one morning, waking Peter to his senses!

Like the “little maid” who told of a Prophet in Israel, thus (indirectly) ridding Captain Naaman of his leprosy!

Like the “little island” named Patmos where we Christians were given the great Book of Revelation, John being exiled there!

Wow!

Now this morning (or later today, whenever practical) I’d like to ask you to sit down and ponder … some “little thing” (or maybe even “little things”) God has used in your life!

I’m thinking right now of a “little book” (written by Bernard Palmer) that the Lord used when I was called to preach the Gospel!

But I must close!

The ministry of “little things” … in the Hands of a great God!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

.