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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 23:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:20 relays part of a plot against the Apostle Paul.

This specific verse features someone reporting to Paul's nephew, and possibly to the Roman commander Lysias, about a Jewish conspiracy to kill Paul.

The Jews who opposed Paul's teaching had devised a plan to ask the Roman authorities to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council) under the pretext of seeking more information.

Their actual intent, as reported by the insider, was to ambush and kill Paul during his transfer to the council.

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Historical Context

Acts 23:20 should be understood within the historical context of the early Christian church and the significant tension between Jewish religious leaders and the emerging Christian movement.

Paul was both a Jew and a Christian apostle, and his teachings about Jesus Christ as the Messiah were controversial among many Jews.

At this time, Jerusalem was under Roman rule, and the Roman authorities were often involved as arbiters in local disputes.

Paul used his Roman citizenship to appeal for protection and justice when he was threatened.

Theological Insights

The events in this verse showcase the profound opposition the early Christians, including Paul, faced when spreading the Gospel.

Theologically, this reflects the Christian narrative of persecution and deliverance, where the forces against God's messengers are overcome by divine intervention or wisdom.

It also highlights Providence, suggesting that God was watching over Paul, with the informant (Paul's nephew) being the earthly means of revealing the plot.

Practical Applications

The scenarios that unfolded in Acts 23:20 can shed light on contemporary issues such as discernment, the wisdom to recognize deceit or ill intent, and the critical importance of protecting innocence against unjust harm.

Christians might see in this an encouragement to be vigilant and prudent, especially when dealing with those who may not have their best interests at heart.

Cross-References

Acts 23:15 - "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."
Acts 23:12-14 - "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."
Acts 9:16 - "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."

Language Study

In this verse, the phrase "agreed to desire thee" translates from the Greek "synetithento erwtan se" (συνετίθεντο ἐρωτᾶν σε), indicating a conspiracy or mutual agreement with a planned request.

This supplements the deceptive nature of the plot, portraying it as not a spontaneous act but a deliberate and collective decision filled with malicious intent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The plot against Paul can be compared to other ancient narratives where a protagonist is targeted by a group due to their disruptive message or actions. Such themes are common, where the established order feels threatened by change.

Additionally, ancient religious sects sometimes conspired to eliminate perceived threats, a pattern seen not just in Judaism but in many cultures of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on this verse are not directly relevant, as the verse deals with historical events and theological insights.

However, a scientific approach to biblical texts often involves historical analysis, archaeological evidence, and textual criticism to understand the context and authenticity of the events described.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars often reflect on this verse in terms of its demonstration of early Christian perseverance and the conflicts between differing religious perspectives.

Some commentators may focus on the providential aspect of Paul's escape plan, others on the cunning and politically charged atmosphere of the time.

Overall, there is agreement that this incident shows the lengths to which Paul's opponents would go to stop him and, by extension, the spread of Christianity.

Acts 23

Acts 23

What does Acts 23:20 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 23:20 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?