A Plot to Kill Paul
October 23, 2020
Commentary
More than forty Jews banded together under an oath agreeing that they would not eat anything until they had killed Paul (vv. 12-14). This band of zealots were roughly equivalent to the terrorists who threaten us today. They made this plan known to the Sanhedrin and somehow Paul’s nephew (Paul’s sister’s son) got word of it, went to Paul in prison and told him what he had heard (15). It would be helpful to know what position he held and how he heard of the plotted ambush (v. 16), but there is nothing that reveals this to us. Paul, in turn, sent him to the chief captain; upon hearing of the plot and he immediately made plans to get Paul out of town (v. 17).
It is interesting to note that no protest was made by the religious authorities when the conspirators took them into their confidence. Instead, they were quite willing to give their blessing to this plot (vv. 18-22). However, it is not too surprising, since religion is spawned by the father of lies. This same wicked one is very much at work today in such religious groups as Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus etc. Because of religion believers in many countries are being put to death.
This band of zealots was determined to kill Paul, but they did not know that the Lord had just promised Paul a safe journey to Rome (v. 11). They were very loyal to Judaism, and no doubt thought they were doing the God of Israel a favor. Knowing the Roman soldiers would certainly be guarding Paul they were even willing to risk the loss of life to gain their objective. However, it is a simple matter for God to destroy the schemes of wicked men.
Application
The Lord delights in working behind the scenes. An example would be a delay in traffic that may cause me to avoid some danger. Thank you Lord for Your protection!!
Acts 23:12– 22 (NET)
12 When morning came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty of them who formed this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to partake of anything until we have killed Paul. 15 So now you and the council request the commanding officer to bring him down to you, as if you were going to determine his case by conducting a more thorough inquiry. We are ready to kill him before he comes near this place.”
16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush, he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to report to him.” 18 So the centurion took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commanding officer took him by the hand, withdrew privately, and asked, “What is it that you want to report to me?” 20 He replied, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as if they were going to inquire more thoroughly about him. 21 So do not let them persuade you to do this, because more than forty of them are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him, and now they are ready, waiting for you to agree to their request.” 22 Then the commanding officer sent the young man away, directing him, “Tell no one that you have reported these things to me.”