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Acts 23

And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

And when it was day, 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.

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

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, as though they would inquire 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.

And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

And he wrote a letter after this manner:

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

What does Acts 23:12 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:12 narrates an intense moment in the life of Paul the Apostle, where a group of Jews form a conspiracy to kill him. These individuals take an oath, invoking a self-imposed curse, declaring that they will neither eat nor drink until they have succeeded in murdering Paul.

This verse highlights the extreme measures that Paul's enemies were willing to take to stop him from spreading the message of Christianity.

Their use of a curse emphasizes the seriousness of their commitment.

The literal sense of the text conveys a planned assassination rooted in deep religious and ideological conflict, while on a deeper level, it demonstrates the dangerous challenges faced by early Christian missionaries.

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Historical Context

This event took place during Paul's imprisonment in Jerusalem.

The historical context is steeped in the highly charged atmosphere of Judea under Roman occupation, where tension between Jewish religious authorities and the nascent Christian movement was escalating.

Paul, as a prominent figure in the spread of Christianity and a former Pharisee, was seen as a significant threat to the traditional Jewish faith and order.

This passage reflects the intense persecution that early Christians faced, particularly from those who saw them as heretical and disruptive.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse reflects on the theme of perseverance in the face of persecution.

Paul's experience can be interpreted as a testament to the early Christian belief in divine protection and providence, where, despite human plans, God's purpose will prevail.

Some Christian commentaries may also view this conspiracy as a manifestation of spiritual warfare, suggesting that the fight against the spread of the Gospel is not just a physical struggle, but also a spiritual one.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse can be interpreted as an encouragement to maintain faith and resolve in the face of opposition. It teaches the importance of persistence in pursuing one's calling and mission, even when facing significant threats.

Furthermore, it can inspire believers to trust God's protection over their lives and to stand firm in their convictions despite potentially grave consequences from those who oppose them.

Cross-References

Acts 23:21 - "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 slain Paul: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee."
Acts 9:23 - "And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:"
2 Timothy 3:12 - "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key phrases such as "bound themselves under a curse" (Greek: "anathematize," ἀναθεματίσαι) and "saying that they would neither eat nor drink" (Greek: "neither eat nor drink," οὔτε φάγωσιν οὔτε πίωσιν) underscore the intensity of the vow.

"Anathema" suggests a strong curse, often connoting a religious excommunication or condemnation to destruction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Invoking curses or oaths in the context of a vow was not unusual in the ancient world, including within Jewish culture.

Similar practices are found in other cultures where solemn oaths were taken to invoke divine witness to one's commitment, with dire consequences for breaking them.

The story mirrors instances in various ancient myths where characters bind themselves to oaths with the gods as witnesses, which must be fulfilled at great personal cost or risk divine retribution.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, this verse presents an interesting study in human psychology and group behavior. The use of oaths and curses in group settings can reinforce group cohesion and commitment to a cause.

However, this anecdote does not intersect directly with empirical scientific studies, as it relates more to historical, social, and religious factors.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 23:12 usually focus on the severity of the opposition that Paul faced and the religious zeal of his adversaries.

William Barclay notes the perilous situation for Paul, interpreting the event as an illustration of the bitter hatred that the Christian message occasionally encountered.

John Calvin emphasizes the sovereignty of God in protecting Paul against such a conspiracy.

Matthew Henry's commentary reflects on the deceit and violence of the wicked, observing the moral and ethical contrasts between the conspirators' actions and Christian teachings.

Acts 23

Acts 23

What does Acts 23:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 23:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?