John Calvin Commentary Acts 23:16

"But Paul`s sister`s son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the castle and told Paul." — Acts 23:16 (ASV)

Paul’s sister’s son. We see here how the Lord thwarts the purposes of the ungodly. He permits them to attempt many things, and he allows their wicked endeavors, but eventually he shows, even in the twinkling of an eye, that he derides from heaven whatever men undertake on earth.

“There is no wisdom,” says Solomon, “there is no counsel against the Lord,” (Proverbs 21:30).

To this, the word from Isaiah also responds:

“Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought: speak the word, and it shall not stand,” (Isaiah 8:10).

This is set before our eyes for consideration in this present account, as in a mirror. The matter was almost settled: Paul was to come out the next day to be killed as a declared sacrifice. But the Lord shows that Paul’s life is most securely protected, so that whatever men attempt is all in vain.

As for us, let us not doubt that his providence, a sign of which he showed then, extends even to defending us, because this promise remains sure:

“There shall not an hair fall from your heads,” etc. (Luke 21:18).

Moreover, it is worth noting that he sometimes works by unexpected means to save those who are his, so that he may better exercise our faith.

Who would have thought that a boy would have disclosed their ambush, which the conspirators believed was known only to themselves?

Therefore, let us learn to lean on and depend on the Lord, even if we see no ordinary way to save ourselves, for he will find a way even through impassable places.