Acts 23:11-22 The Plot By The Jews In Jerusalem To Kill Paul

After Paul’s address divided the Sanhedrin, the commander removed the prisoner from the temple and ordered him back to the castle barracks to be held until further notice.

“11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” (Acts 23:11)

Paul had survived death and persecution by the Jews and was now imprisoned by the Romans, when Jesus brought him comfort and revealed of future works in Rome, the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan for the apostle.

“12 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” (Acts 23:12-15)

Infuriated by Paul’s statements and claims, a group of forty Jews took an oath to kill Paul and plotted to do so with the help of the chief priests, the Sadducees within the Sanhedrin. Their plan was to deceive the commander and have Paul brought out of the barracks so they could murder the prisoner.

“16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” 19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. 21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” 22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” (Acts 23:16-22)

When Paul’s nephew heard of the plot to kill his uncle, he went to the barracks to inform the prisoner of the devious plan. In turn, Paul sent the young man to the chief captain to reveal the plot, in hope he would take the threat seriously and act accordingly.

It would be by the mighty hand of God that the commander took in Paul’s nephew and listened to him, then acted upon this threat on his prisoner independently of a judgment or decision rendered by the Sanhedrin, the ruling body in Jerusalem. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre