What does Acts 23:21 mean?

Explanation

Acts 23:21 reports a warning given to a Roman commander about a plot to kill the apostle Paul.

In the verse, the speaker is revealing the severity of the threat against Paul.

A group of more than forty men has conspired together, taking an extreme oath to neither eat nor drink until they have succeeded in killing Paul.

They are awaiting a signal or promise (likely some kind of cooperation or moment of vulnerability) that will enable them to carry out their plot.

The literal meaning of this verse focuses on the immediate physical danger to Paul, while the deeper meaning illustrates the intense opposition faced by early Christians and the lengths their opponents would go to thwart their mission.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, and describes the spread of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The setting is Jerusalem, not long after the crucifixion, during a time of great tension between various Jewish factions and the emerging Christian community.

The plot against Paul emerges from this context of religious strife, where those zealous for traditional Jewish beliefs saw the Christian message as a threat.

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians himself and now a prominent Christian leader, became a particularly symbolic target.

Theological Insights

Different Christian theological viewpoints may interpret the verse differently.

From a traditional Christian perspective, Paul's experiences can be seen as part of God's divine plan, with the challenges he faces serving to test and ultimately spread the faith.

Some might see the dedication of the plotters, although misguided, as a representation of zealous religious fervor that Christians should emulate in their dedication to God, albeit for good purposes rather than harmful ones.

Practical Applications

This verse can teach the importance of integrity and faith in the face of opposition.

For modern readers, the commitment evident in Paul's adversaries, though used for a dark purpose, challenges individuals to consider the depth of their own commitments.

It encourages vigilance and wisdom when facing adversities and underscores the value of ethical uprightness in dealings that may involve complex moral decisions.

Cross-References

• Acts 23:12-13 - "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 9:23-24 - "And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul.

And they watched the gates day and night to kill him."

• 2 Timothy 4:14-15 - "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of this verse contains words that can be explored for a deeper understanding:

• "Neither eat nor drink" (μήτε φαγεῖν μήτε πιεῖν) - Indicates a severe fast, reflecting a common ancient practice of binding oneself with an oath that includes an element of personal sacrifice or suffering.
• "Bound themselves with an oath" (ἀνεθεμάτισαν ἑαυτοὺς ὅρκῳ) - The use of ἀνεθεμάτισαν (anathema) often refers to a curse or a solemn vow under the possibility of a curse.
• "Looking for a promise" (προσδεχόμενοι) – This Greek word conveys an active and expectant waiting for an agreed sign or action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, fasting and oaths were common elements in religious and cultural practices. Such serious oaths are seen across various cultures as a means of demonstrating sincerity and invoking divine witness.

In a broader religious context, the behavior of the men who conspired against Paul can be compared to other documented instances of religious zealotry, where extreme measures are undertaken to protect or advance particular beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective does not typically engage directly with the content of Biblical narratives, as these texts are primarily of religious and historical interest.

However, the physical implications of fasting (declining to eat or drink) can be analyzed through biology and nutrition science, highlighting the potential repercussions on the human body when someone undertakes such an extreme commitment.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have explored Acts 23:21.

John Calvin notes the misguided zeal of the would-be assassins, contrasting it with the godly zeal that should be directed towards righteous causes.

Matthew Henry's commentary points out the contrast between the counsel of God which hatched a proactive plan to save Paul, and the counsel of wickedness which planned to kill him.

Henry also emphasizes the dependency on God that Paul's situation inspires.

Modern scholars analyze the historical and literary aspects of the account, discussing its implications for understanding the social and religious climate of the time.