Atos 23
A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 23
Robertson quips "It was a lively scrap!” Scribes (1122)(grammateus from grapho = to write) was one skilled in Jewish law and theology scribe, expert, scholar (Mt 2.4). See also Who were the scribes? Argue heatedly (only here in NT)(1264)(diamachomai from dia = thoroughly + machomai = to war, quarrel, intense and bitter) means to contend sharply (fight with words), protest strongly, argue vehemently. Louw-Nida - "to fight or contend with, involving severity and thoroughness - 'to protest strongly, to contend with." Saying, "We find nothing wrong with this man - They affirm Paul's innocence. The verb find (heurisko) means to find after searching and thus to discover. In other words they found nothing wrong, where wrong is kakos which basically denotes a lack something and then comes to mean that which is bad or not as it ought to be. Of course, this is appears to be somewhat of an exaggeration for (as best one can determine from Luke's account) the Council had not actually interrogated Paul. The Pharisees based their verdict of "not guilty" on the fact that Paul believed in the resurrection from the dead! Of course that was the same belief for which the Sadducees wanted to condemn Paul! Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him? - While not willing to admit that Jesus appeared to Paul, they did not exclude the possibility that a spirit of an angel may have appeared to him and spoken to him. POSB - Religious men of politics (Sadducees) can be tragically deceived about the truth of God and the spiritual world. Men seek power at the expense of their soul's salvation. Religionists, even strict religionists who hold to Scripture, can be deceived and distort the truth for the sake of their own customs and traditions, position and livelihood. (The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Acts) Jack Arnold - Just these few simple words about resurrection triggered a tumultuous argument between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Pharisees would not admit that Paul saw the resurrected Christ but they attributed his experience to a supernatural event in which a spirit or an angel appeared to him. Note again God's providential care for Paul. Just a few words were used by God to cause a fight which in turn divided the Sanhedrin which just a few minutes before was solidly against the Apostle Paul. God just laughs at the plans and purposes of puny men and uses the most simple things to bring about His purposes. “The wicked plots against the righteous, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him; for He sees his day coming” (Psalm 37:12, 13). God uses the smallest, insignificant things to accomplish His purposes. Esther and the Jews were saved in the Book of Esther because the King had insomnia. Because he couldn't sleep, he called for the records and found that nothing had been done for Mordecai. Out of royal insomnia arose the deliverance of the Jewish people. Moses' tears as a baby awakened sympathy in Pharaoh's daughter and the Jewish nation was preserved and led out of the land of Egypt. Ray
Atos 23
Robertson - The soldiers were to seize and save Paul from the midst of (ek mesou) the rabbis or preachers (in their rage to get at each other). Paul was more of a puzzle to Lysias now than ever. Take...by force (726)(harpazo from haireô = take, in NT only in middle voice = haireomai= to take for oneself, to choose; akin to airo = to raise up) means to snatch up or way, to seize or seize upon, to steal (see comparison to klepto below), to catch away or up, to pluck, to pull. The very verb used by Paul to describe the rapture of believers (1 Th. 4:17+). NT uses of harpazo - carry off(1), caught(4), snatch(2), snatched...away(1), snatches(1), snatches away(1), snatching(1), take...away...by force(1), take...by force(2). Matt. 11:12; Matt. 12:29; Matt. 13:19; Jn. 6:15; Jn. 10:12; Jn. 10:28; Jn. 10:29; Acts 8:39; Acts 23:10; 2 Co. 12:2; 2 Co. 12:4; 1 Thess. 4:17; Jude 1:23; Rev. 12:5 Jack Arnold - This is the third time in two days that Paul was delivered from a murderous Jewish mob by the Roman soldiers and by Claudius Lysias in particular. God used these soldiers to carry out His plan for Paul and they had no idea they were being used by God. As far as they knew, they were acting freely, but God was behind the scene of history. Chuck Smith - THIS HAD TO BE ONE OF THE DARKEST HOURS IN PAUL'S LIFE.. His life long ambition to preach the gospel to the Jews has ended in utter chaos. He did not convince his former cohorts to become believers as he had hoped and was certain that he could do. Contrariwise they are so incensed against Paul that 40 of them are taking an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. For the second time in as many days the chief captain of the Roman guard had to send troops in to rescue Paul from being torn apart by the mob. The future is very uncertain at this point. He is spending his second night incarcerated in the Antonio fortress. What will happen next is anybody's guess. He is no doubt discouraged, and depressed. He is probably feeling like a great failure. He is probably kicking himself for mentioning the fact that he was called to go to the Gentiles, for this brought an end to his opportunity to witness. He probably felt that his ministry was all washed up, he had failed miserably in his greatest goal for the ministry and that was to bring his fellow Jews to the saving knowledge of Jesus. He had such an intense desire to see the Jews saved that if it could help he would even be willing to be accursed from God. R. Kent
Atos 23
Robertson has an interesting thought - Paul may have had weak eyes, but probably the earnest gaze was to see if he recognized any faces that were in the body that tried Stephen and to which he apparently once belonged. Brethren - Some commentators believe this was an unusual way to address the esteemed members of the Sanhedrin, as indicated by the reaction of the high priest in verse 2. William
Atos 23
Robertson has a lengthy comment on good conscience - This claim seems to lack tact, but for brevity's sake Paul sums up a whole speech in it. He may have said much more than Luke here reports along the line of his speech the day before, but Paul did not make this claim without consideration. It appears to contradict his confession as the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:13-16). But that depends on one's interpretation of "good conscience." The word suneidēsis is literally "joint-knowledge" in Greek, Latin (conscientia) and English "conscience" from the Latin. It is a late word from sunoida, to know together, common in O.T., Apocrypha, Philo, Plutarch, New Testament, Stoics, ecclesiastical writers. In itself the word simply means consciousness of one's own thoughts (Hebrews 10:2), or of one's own self, then consciousness of the distinction between right and wrong (Romans 2:15) with approval or disapproval. But the conscience is not an infallible guide and acts according to the light that it has (1 Cor. 8:7, 10; 1 Peter 2:19). The conscience can be contaminated (Hebrews 10:22, evil ponērās). All this and more must be borne in mind in trying to understand Paul's description of his motives as a persecutor. Alleviation of his guilt comes thereby, but not removal of guilt as he himself felt (1 Tim. 1:13-16). He means to say to the Sanhedrin that he persecuted Christians as a conscientious (though mistaken) Jew (Pharisee) just as he followed his conscience in turning from Judaism to Christianity. It is a pointed disclaimer against the charge that he is a renegade Jew, an opposer of the law, the people, the temple. Paul addresses the Sanhedrin as an equal and has no "apologies" (in our sense) to make for his career as a whole. The golden thread of consistency runs through, as a good citizen in God's commonwealth. He had the consolation of a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16). The word does not occur in the Gospels and chiefly in Paul's Epistles, but we see it at work in John 8:9 (the interpolation John 7:53-8:11).
Atos 23
Robertson on Ananias - Not the one in Luke 3:2; John 18:13; Acts 4:7, but the son of Nebedaeus, nominated high priest by Herod, King of Chalcis, A.D. 48 and till A.D. 59. He was called to Rome A.D. 52 to answer "a charge of rapine and cruelty made against him by the Samaritans, but honourably acquitted" (Page). Though high priest, he was a man of bad character. Jack Arnold - This is not the Ananias of the Gospels, but he was placed in office in 47 A.D. and remained there for 17 years. He was notorious as one of the most wicked men of his day. He was a scoundrel who had his enemies assassinated at the drop of a hat. Ananias, offended by Paul's common greeting to the Sanhedrin, appalled at Paul's honesty and naturally prejudiced against Paul, commanded that Paul be struck in the mouth for what he thought to be a haughty attitude. Gotquestions on Ananias - A third Ananias in the Bible was high priest in Jerusalem during much of Paul’s early ministry. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Ananias was appointed by Herod Agrippa II in approximately AD 48. Known for his harshness and cruelty, Ananias appears in Acts 23 during Paul’s trial in Jerusalem before the Sanhedrin council. Enraged by Paul’s defense, Ananias ordered him to be struck on the mouth (Acts 23:1–2). Paul objected, saying, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” (Acts 23:3). When Paul realized that he was addressing the high priest, he apologized. As Paul continued his defense, a near riot broke out in the Sanhedrin over the issue of the resurrection of the dead—a point of theology that the Pharisees and Sadducees disagreed upon (Acts 23:6–9). The Roman guard took Paul into protective custody (Acts 23:10). Ananias was probably involved in the plot to murder Paul on his way back to court (Acts 23:12–15), but the plot was foiled when the Roman commander found out about it and transported Paul under heavy guard to Caesarea (Acts 23:16–35). Five days later, Ananias traveled to Caesarea and continued to pursue his case against Paul before Governor Felix (Acts 24:1). Ananias and other Jewish leaders considered Paul to be the ringleader of a troublemaking Nazarene sect that was stirring up riots among the Jews. Many of the Jews hated Ananias because of his ruthlessness and corruption, but he was protected by Rome even after he was deposed as high priest. In AD 66, at the start of the first great Jewish Revolt, Ananias was assassinated by an angry mob of anti-Roman revolutionaries. Who was Ananias in the Bible? Albert
Atos 23
Robertson - As God's representative in spite of his bad character (Deut. 17:8-9). Here was a charge of irreverence, to say the least. The office called for respect. Jack Arnold - We are not told why Paul did not recognize Ananias. Perhaps he was dressed more informally than usual, but the most probable explanation is that Paul had eye trouble and may not have recognized him. Whatever, Paul immediately admitted his mistake and apologized for his actions, for he knew the Old Testament clearly taught respect for governmental officials. Revile (3058) (loidoreo from loidoros = reviling, railing, one who reviles as in 1 Cor 5:11) means to subject one to verbal abuse, and to reproach, vilify, speak in a highly insulting manner, insult strongly. Revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred. Rail (against) means to scold someone using harsh, insolent, or abusive language. Used only 4x in the NT - Jn. 9:28; Acts 23:4; 1 Co. 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:23. The root noun loidoros appears in the lists of vices that characterize unbelievers (1 Cor. 5:11; 1 Cor 6:10). The adjective loidoria is used in 1 Ti 5:14 to describe the reviling activity of Satan, and 1 Pe 3:9 forbids Christians to do it. John
Atos 23
Robertson adds - “The Greek naturally means that Paul did not know that it was the high priest who gave the order to smite his mouth. If this view is taken, several things may be said by way of explanation. The high priest may not have had on his official dress as the meeting was called hurriedly by Lysias. Paul had been away so long that he may not have known Ananias on sight. And then Paul may have had poor eyesight or the high priest may not have been sitting in the official seat. Another way of explaining it is to say that Paul was so indignant, even angry, at the command that he spoke without considering who it was that gave the order. The Greek allows this idea also. At any rate Paul at once recognizes the justice of the point made against him. He had been guilty of irreverence against the office of high priest as the passage from Exodus 22:18 (LXX) shows and confesses his fault, but the rebuke was deserved. Jesus did not threaten (1 Peter 2:23) when smitten on the cheek (John 18:22), but he did protest against the act and did not turn the other cheek. For it is written - Quoting Ex 22:28. “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people." What Paul is doing in essence is immediately confessing his guilt in this matter, a good pattern for all of us to follow when we are convicted of our sin. Written (1125) is grapho in the perfect tense signifying it was written in at a point in time in the past and stands written or valid. 'YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.'" - Paul is acknowledging his error and certainly recognized the position of the high priest, even if he did not respect the person who was high priest. Eccl 10:20 says "in your bedchamber do not curse a king." And note the fact that Paul quoted the passage demonstrates his respect for the Word of God and his submission to the Word of God.
Atos 23
Robertson - Paul never needed Jesus more than now. On a previous occasion the whole church prayed for Peter's release (Acts 12:5), but Paul clearly had no such grip on the church as that, though he had been kindly welcomed (Acts 21:18). In every crisis Jesus appears to him (cf. Acts 18:9). It looked dark for Paul till Jesus spoke. Once before in Jerusalem Jesus spoke words of cheer (Acts 22:18). Then he was told to leave Jerusalem. Now he is to have "cheer" or "courage" (tharsei). Jesus used this very word to others (Matthew 9:2, 22; Mark 10:49). It is a brave word. Take courage (2293)(tharseo from tharsos = boldness, courage) means to have courage. Be of good courage, be of good cheer or be unafraid. The idea is that the recipient of this command is to to have confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or testing. BDAG = "to be firm or resolute in the face of danger or adverse circumstances, be enheartened." All 7 NT uses are in the imperative mood as a command for the distressed to be encouraged. Here in Acts 23:11 it is in the present imperative which calls for this to be one's lifestyle, to continually be encouraged. Now try that by relying on your own "inner" strength! You need "external" strength. In short you need to rely on the enabling power of the Spirit to energize encouragement when you are discouraged. (See discussion of the Need for the Holy Spirit to obey NT commands). And since it is a command, the implication is we can choose to obey or disobey it. As
Atos 23
Robertson comments on Jesus' use of "must" - "That is the needed word and on this Paul leans. His hopes (Acts 19:21) of going to Rome will not be in vain. He can bide Christ's time now. And Jesus has approved his witness in Jerusalem." The Lord uses the same word again through the angel who appeared to Paul in the storm just before the shipwreck and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar” (Acts 27:24). When God says, “you must,” you know that it’s a done deal. It’s going to happen. As someone has said, “You are immortal until your work for the Lord is done.” All the uses of dei in Acts - Acts 1:16; Acts 1:21; Acts 3:21; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:29; Acts 9:6; Acts 9:16; Acts 14:22; Acts 15:5; Acts 16:30; Acts 17:3; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:35; Acts 23:11; Acts 24:19; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:24; Acts 26:9; Acts 27:21; Acts 27:24; Acts 27:26; R. Kent Hughes said, “God’s servants are immortal until their work is done. No servant of God dies a premature death.” (Preaching the Word) (ED: cf the two witnesses in Rev 11:7+ "When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them." Notice the Beast was not allowed to kill them UNTIL they had FINISHED their testimony!) Brian Bell applies this passage to believers - Where has he used you to testify in the past, & most importantly where is He saying to go now? (don’t bask in yesterdays glory!) Chuck Smith - In effect Jesus is saying your ministry is not over, you still have to take the gospel to Rome. Earlier Paul had expressed a desire to go to Rome. Before he had ever begun this ill fated trip to Jerusalem he had announced his intentions to visit the churches in Macedonia and Achaia. then he said, "And I must also see Rome." Jesus is confirming here that Paul will indeed see Rome, and there bear witness of Him. It will yet be more than two years before Paul will get to Rome, the Lord often begins to plant his will upon our hearts long before it is His perfect timing to bring it about. Having made known to Paul the fact that he is to be a witness in Rome, no matter how dark the days may appear to be, Paul can still be certain that he will make it to Rome, and there be a witness. His journey to Rome was under extremely dire circumstances, he was taken there as a prisoner. The captain on the ship upon which he was traveling made a very foolish mistake to try to set sail in the late fall and beat the winter storms. They were however caught in a very severe storm, for fourteen days then did not see the sun and were driven by the winds and tides They finally had all despaired of their lives. It was then that Paul stood up and said to the passengers and crew, "Be of good cheer, for there will be no loss of life, only the ship will be destroyed. For last night the angel of God stood by me, whose I am and who I serve, and he told me I must see Caesar, therefore be of good cheer for I believe God." Many have been the times when a person has been led to believe that his ministry is over then God comes along and recommissions him again. Elijah. Peter after his denial of Jesus probably felt that Jesus would never trust him again. Jack Arnold - Christ appeared to Paul and said, “Cheer up, Paul, you are going to witness for me in Rome just as I promised you.” Christ stood by Paul and gave him further revelation and encouragement. What did Paul learn here? He learned that God was sovereign and as long as he was breathing God had a purpose for his life. He learned that God keeps His promises for He told Paul he was to witness before kings. He learned something of the providential presence of the overruling Lord. Paul learned what John Wesley learned when he said, “I’m immortal until my work is done!” I know from personal experience that God often uses crisis to accomplish His providential purposes. I was a senior in college and had a girlfriend who dumped me. I wanted to marry that girl and when this happened I thought the world was coming to an end. She lived in Texas and I was in California. I flew to Texas to see her and she would not talk to me. God had sovereignly hardened her heart because I was not to marry her. When in Texas, I visited her parents. Her mother introduced me to an older Christian woman, Mrs. Stonum, from whom I rented a room that next summer. Mrs. Stonum introduced me to her close friend, Mrs. McManus, who was a millionaire. Mrs. McManus was used by God to put me all the way through seminary. Furthermore, it was because I was dumped by that girl that I met my wife, Carol. What seemed at the moment to be a tragedy was used by God to bring me great blessing.
Atos 23
Robertson - Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 95) quotes several examples of the verb in an Attic cursing tablet from Megara of the first or second century A.D. This proof shows that the word, as well as anathema (substantive) from which the verb is derived, was employed by pagans as well as by Jews....King Saul took an "anathema" that imperilled Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:24). Perhaps the forty felt that the rabbis could find some way to absolve the curse if they failed. Anathematizo - bound...under...oath(1), bound...under a curse(2), bound...under an oath(2), curse(1), under...oath(1). Mk. 14:71; Acts 23:12; Acts 23:14; Acts 23:21 and in the Septuagint - Num. 18:14; Num. 21:2; Num. 21:3; Deut. 13:15; Deut. 20:17; Jos. 6:21; Jdg. 1:17; Jdg. 21:11; 1 Sam. 15:3; 2 Ki. 19:11; 1 Chr. 4:41; Ezr. 10:8; Da 11:44; Keener - Revolutionary-minded Jews considered some assassinations pious acts; Herod the Great had once executed ten Pharisees who had formed an association by oath for the purpose of killing him. If Paul’s enemies eventually broke their oaths to kill him, Jewish law would simply require them to bring atonement offerings to the temple; thus their oath here does not mean they would literally starve. (The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament) Acts 23:13 There were more than forty who formed this plot. KJV Acts 23:13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. NET Acts 23:13 There were more than forty of them who formed this conspiracy. GNT Acts 23:13 ἦσαν δὲ πλείους τεσσεράκοντα οἱ ταύτην τὴν συνωμοσίαν ποιησάμενοι, NLT Acts 23:13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. ESV Acts 23:13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. CSB Acts 23:13 There were more than 40 who had formed this plot. NIV Acts 23:13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. NAB Acts 23:13 There were more than forty who formed this conspiracy. NKJ Acts 23:13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. NJB Acts 23:13 More than forty of them entered this pact, GWN Acts 23:13 More than forty men took part in this plot. NRS Acts 23:13 There were more than forty who joined in this conspiracy. YLT Acts 23:13 and they were more than forty who made this conspiracy by oath, who formed this plot. 2 Sa 15:12,31; John 16:2 Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JEWS PLOT AGAINST A JEW There were more than forty who formed this plot - The word for plot is sunomosia (used only here) which literally means taking an oath together in a negative sense. Sunomosia is the ordinary term for conspiracy and is used throughout Greek literature to denote a conspiracy or confederacy usually of soldiers or politicians entering into an oath together to put down a democracy or political union. Andrews - Evil has a way of recruiting others to do its dirty work. The devil has a great company in the world doing his work. They were planning on secretly attacking Paul and killing him. The devil does his most effective work in secrecy. (Ibid) Acts 23:14 They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, "We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. KJV Acts 23:14 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. NET Acts 23:14 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. GNT Acts 23:14 οἵτινες προσελθόντες τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσιν καὶ τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις εἶπαν, Ἀναθέματι ἀνεθεματίσαμεν ἑαυτοὺς μηδενὸς γεύσασθαι ἕως οὗ ἀποκτείνωμεν τὸν Παῦλον. NLT Acts 23:14 They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, "We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. ESV Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. CSB Acts 23:14 These men went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse that we won't eat anything until we have killed Paul. NIV Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. NAB Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have bound ourselves by a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. NKJ Acts 23:14 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. NJB Acts 23:14 and they went to the chief priests and elders and told them, 'We have made a solemn vow to let nothing pass our lips until we have killed Paul. GWN Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and leaders of the people and said, "We've asked God to curse us if we taste any food before we've killed Paul. NRS Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we have killed Paul. YLT Acts 23:14 who having come near to the chief priests and to the elders said, 'With an anathema we did anathematize ourselves -- to taste nothing till we have killed Paul; Ps 52:1,2; Isaiah 3:9; Jer 6:15; 8:12; Hosea 4:9; Micah 7:3 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PLOTTERS SEEK PERMISSION They came to the chief priests and the elders - These would be predominantly Sadducees who already dislike Paul's assertion of a resurrection from the dead. And said, "We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. - The band of 40 Jews seeks approval of the religious leaders to kill Paul. This is sad when religious leaders don't immediately condemn this conspiracy, and thereby essentially agree that murder is acceptable in this setting. How far men will go when they go from the Holy God, even when they still pretend to be religious! These legalist made exceptions in their legalism when it suited them for Ex 20:13 was crystal clear stating "You shall not murder." They knew that the Romans would not kill him for Paul had committed no capital crime, so they took matters into their own evil hands! David Jeremiah wrote, “The fact that they would then be prosecuted by the Romans for murder didn’t matter to them. They were like today’s suicide bombers whose hatred runs so deep that they will lose their own life for the chance to kill one of their enemies.” Bound under an oath (332) see above on anathematizo Longenecker on the binding nature of their solemn oath - That did not mean, however, that they would necessarily have to starve if they failed. The rabbis allowed four types of vows to be broken: "vows of incitement, vows of exaggeration, vows made in error, and vows that cannot be fulfilled by reason of constraint" (M Nedarim 3:1-3)—exclusions allowing for almost any contingency. The conspirators' plan, though violating both the letter and the spirit of Jewish law pertaining to the Sanhedrin (cf. b Sanhedrin 82a), was in keeping with the character of the high priest Ananias (Expositor's Bible Commentary – Volume 9: John and Acts) POSB on the murderous intent of the conspirators - They showed contempt for their bodies and souls. The law said, "Thou shalt not kill," yet they plotted to kill. Down deep they knew better, yet they plotted evil under a religious curse, saying they would not eat or drink until the evil was done. They disregarded the care of both their souls and bodies. How deceived the human mind, the human heart! We know better; the law of God forbids the act. Yet, we think that because we hurt or have need, God understands and will not hold us accountable. What we fail to see is this: God wants to meet our need Himself. When we go ahead and take matters into our own hands, we are failing to trust Him, failing to believe He loves and cares enough and has the power to meet our need. (The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Acts) Keener - Ambushes by robbers and terrorists were common, especially at night. During these years shortly before the Jewish war with Rome, the sicarii (Acts 21:38) regularly assassinated Jews suspected of collaboration with the Romans, and all Palestine was uneasy; this report is thus quite believable. That aristocratic priests, who in the war of 66-70 turned out to have their own violent agendas, would cooperate in this plot is not surprising. (These priests would be some high Sadducean members of the council, not Pharisees.) (The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament) Acts 23:15 "Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place." KJV 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 enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. NET Acts 23:15 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." GNT Acts 23:15 νῦν οὖν ὑμεῖς ἐμφανίσατε τῷ χιλιάρχῳ σὺν τῷ συνεδρίῳ ὅπως καταγάγῃ αὐτὸν εἰς ὑμᾶς ὡς μέλλοντας διαγινώσκειν ἀκριβέστερον τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ· ἡμεῖς δὲ πρὸ τοῦ ἐγγίσαι αὐτὸν ἕτοιμοί ἐσμεν τοῦ ἀνελεῖν αὐτόν. NLT Acts 23:15 So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way." ESV Acts 23:15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near." CSB Acts 23:15 So now you, along with the Sanhedrin, make a request to the commander that he bring him down to you as if you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly. However, before he gets near, we are ready to kill him." NIV Acts 23:15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here." NAB Acts 23:15 You, together with the Sanhedrin, must now make an official request to the commander to have him bring him down to you, as though you meant to investigate his case more thoroughly. We on our part are prepared to kill him before he arrives." NKJ Acts 23:15 "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." NJB Acts 23:15 Now it is up to you and the Sanhedrin together to apply to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you meant to examine his case more closely; we, on our side, are prepared to dispose of him before he reaches you.' GWN Acts 23:15 Here's our plan: You and the council must go to the Roman officer on the pretext that you need more information from Paul. You have to make it look as though you want to get more accurate information about him. We'll be ready to kill him before he gets to you." NRS Acts 23:15 Now then, you and the council must notify the tribune to bring him down to you, on the pretext that you want to make a more thorough examination of his case. And we are ready to do away with him before he arrives." YLT Acts 23:15 now, therefore, ye, signify ye to the chief captain, with the sanhedrim, that to-morrow he may bring him down unto you, as being about to know more exactly the things concerning him; and we, before his coming nigh, are ready to put him to death.' notify the commander to bring him down to you Acts 25:3; Ps 21:11; 37:32,33; Pr 1:11,12,16; 4:16; Isaiah 59:7; Ro 3:14-16 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CRIMINALS CONNIVE WITH COUNCIL AGAINST THE CHRISTIAN Now therefore, you (chief priests and the elders) and the Council notify (emphanizo - make plain, aorist imperative) the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation (akribos); and we for our part are ready (hetoimos) to slay (anaireo) him before he comes near (eggizo) the place. - They concoct a plot and in so doing indict the chief priests and the elders as accomplices to this murder (so much for the integrity of their religious practices!). Luke does not tell us how the Sanhedrin replied but Acts 23:20 clearly implies that they concurred with the clandestine plot. Also the fact that the Jewish religious rulers did not turn the plotters in to the Romans indicates they were in agreement with the plot. Does this conference with the Council sound familiar? Recall a similar tactic by Judas... And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers (strategos) how he might betray Him to them. (Luke 22:4+) Homer Kent -- “Evidently the conspirators knew how morally rotten their leaders were, or they would not have suggested such a scheme to them. No wonder Paul later appealed to Caesar rather than appear before the Sanhedrin again.” Longenecker - They pledged that they would kill him as he was brought from the Fortress of Antonia north of the temple to the hall of the Sanhedrin southwest of the temple area. (Ibid) Jack Arnold - The fact that God uses evil men does not mean that men are robots. Men are always responsible for their evil actions and attitudes. God’s providence governs man but it governs him in such a way that man is not robbed of the degree of liberty necessary for him to remain responsible for his own actions. God's plan includes the evil actions of men and yet in such a way that He is not responsible for the evil. Men are responsible for their evil and they are held accountable, but all this never occurs outside God's secret will. This is a very hard concept to understand, but the Bible illustrates it best of all for us from the life of Joseph. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery which was a very evil act. Years later, after God used that evil as a stepping stone to make Joseph Pharaoh's right hand man, Joseph could say, “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:20). Before he comes near (eggizo) the place. - They would kill him before he actually arrived in the Council chambers. You wouldn't want blood in the Council! Hypocrites to the core, every one of them! Notify (1718)(emphanizo from en = in, into + phaino = show, make visible, make conspicuous) means to make visible, to lay something open to view (clear or plain) so all can see (Jn 14:22, cp Ex 33:13 = idea is "reveal Yourself to me", Mt 27:53, He 9:24). To provide information so as to make clear, to explain or to inform (Acts 23:22, He 11:14, Jn 14:21 Isa 3:9). To present evidence or bring charges as in a formal judicial report (Acts 24:1, 25:2, Esther 2:22) Determine (1231)(diaginosko from dia = intensives meaning + ginosko = to know) means to decide or determine by a thorough investigation. It was a legal technical term here in Acts 23:15 for carrying out a judicial inquiry and thoroughly (prefix dia = intensive, thoroughly) examining or inquiring. Only other use is Acts 24:22 where Felix declared "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” Gilbrant - In classical Greek diaginōskō was used since the time of Homer to mean “decide, determine.” The Septuagint used a form of diaginōskō in the place of two Hebrew words, dāmâh and yādha‛. God told Moses that what He had “determined” (Hebrew dāmâh) to do to the Canaanites would be done to the Israelites if they did not obey (Numbers 33:56). Proverbs states that the wisdom of obedience is found in the good heart, but in the heart of fools it is not discerned (Hebrew yādha‛, Proverbs 14:33). Diaginōskē is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Book of Acts (23:15; 24:22). It means to “investigate, examine, decide, determine.” Its component parts are the words dia (1217) and ginōskō (1091), “to know.” Diaginosko - Acts 23:15; Acts 24:22 and in the Septuagint in Num. 33:56; Deut. 2:7; Deut. 8:2; Prov. 14:33; Acts 23:16 But the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. KJV Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. NET Acts 23:16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush, he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. GNT Acts 23:16 Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀδελφῆς Παύλου τὴν ἐνέδραν, παραγενόμενος καὶ εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν ἀπήγγειλεν τῷ Παύλῳ. NLT Acts 23:16 But Paul's nephew-- his sister's son-- heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. KJV Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. ESV Acts 23:16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. CSB Acts 23:16 But the son of Paul's sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul. NIV Acts 23:16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. NAB Acts 23:16 The son of Paul's sister, however, heard about the ambush; so he went and entered the compound and reported it to Paul. NKJ Acts 23:16 So when Paul's sister's son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. NJB Acts 23:16 But the son of Paul's sister heard of the ambush they were laying and made his way into the fortress and told Paul, GWN Acts 23:16 But Paul's nephew heard about the ambush. He entered the barracks and told Paul. NRS Acts 23:16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush; so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul. YLT Acts 23:16 And the son of Paul's sister having heard of the lying in wait, having gone and entered into the castle, told Paul, But the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush Job 5:13; Pr 21:30; Lamentations 3:37; 1 Cor 3:19 he came and entered the barracks and told Paul 2 Sa 17:17 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GOD'S PROVIDENCE AND PAUL'S NEPHEW Collins English dictionary has a good definition of providence as "God's foreseeing protection and care of His creatures." Succinctly stated that is what Luke describes! God may be behind the scenes, but He controls the scenes He is behind. Jack Andrews - No matter how hard the men tried, how much the men connived, the plans of men cannot override the providence of God. St. Augustine wrote, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence. (Ibid) But - And what a term of contrast this is! God just happens to have the son of Paul's sister within earshot of the discussion of the plot to kill Paul! Talk about coincidence! God is behind all "coincidences" in our life! The son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush - Luke does not tell us where this young man overheard the plot, but presumably they are still in the council chambers. God makes sure that he hears the details of the plot. Ambush (1747)(enedra from en = in + hedra = sitting) literally means a sitting in or on a spot and then figuratively lying in wait as in ambush. BDAG - "‘sitting in’, hence as act of concealment for surprise attack." Louw-Nida - "to conceal oneself or to proceed secretly, while waiting for an appropriate opportunity to attack - 'to be in an ambush, to make plans for a secret attack." Gilbrant - Enedra is used in the Septuagint more often than the classical term enedra and is used in the more general sense of “fraud.” In a fourth-century A.D. papyrus it means a “hindrance” or an “obstruction” (Liddell-Scott). (Ibid) He came and entered the barracks and told Paul - Notice that Paul's nephew has free access to the Roman barracks, which again reflects the provision of God. Longenecker - As a Roman citizen under protective custody, Paul could receive visitors—among them his nephew. So when Paul heard his warning, he asked one of the centurions to take his nephew to the commander. (Ibid) Jack Arnold - We learn here that Paul had a sister and nephew in Jerusalem. Somehow this young man found out about the plot to kill Paul. God providentially used a young boy to warn Paul of the plot to kill him. God's timing was perfect, for the boy found out just in the nick of time, and did not delay or Paul would have been dead. We call this a divine coincidence but there are no coincidences in the plan of God. Notice that this detail of a young boy overhearing a conversation seems so insignificant but it was another providential move in the plan of God for Paul. When Columbus was sailing to America, a flight of birds caused him to change his course. (He was sailing for Virginia but, at this point, he was looking for land because they had been at sea a long time and his men were mutinous.) Suddenly, he saw a flight of birds to the southwest. He changed his direction to the southwest and hit the West Indies instead of Virginia. That simply determined whether this nation would be dominated by Spain or by England. Such a small thing as a flight of birds determining such a tremendous thing in history! Acts 23:17 Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, "Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him." KJV Acts 23:17 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. NET Acts 23:17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to report to him." GNT Acts 23:17 προσκαλεσάμενος δὲ ὁ Παῦλος ἕνα τῶν ἑκατονταρχῶν ἔφη, Τὸν νεανίαν τοῦτον ἀπάγαγε πρὸς τὸν χιλίαρχον, ἔχει γὰρ ἀπαγγεῖλαί τι αὐτῷ. NLT Acts 23:17 Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, "Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him." ESV Acts 23:17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him." CSB Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him." NIV Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him." NAB Acts 23:17 Paul then called one of the centurions and requested, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to report to him." NKJ Acts 23:17 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." NJB Acts 23:17 who called one of the centurions and said, 'Take this young man to the tribune; he has something to tell him.' GWN Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the sergeants and told him, "Take this young man to the officer. He has something to tell him." NRS Acts 23:17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to report to him." YLT Acts 23:17 and Paul having called near one of the centurions, said, 'This young man lead unto the chief captain, for he hath something to tell him.' Paul called one of the centurions to him and said Acts 23:23; 22:26; Pr 22:3; Mt 8:8,9; 10:16 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Paul called one of the centurions to him and said "Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him." - Remember that Paul has the assurance from the Lord Jesus that he will eventually arrive safely at Rome. And yet that promise does not mean Paul is to do nothing. Thus he seeks to make sure the Roman commander is informed. Notice that Paul was not so mystical that he did not accept some responsibility for his safe passage to Rome. In fact undoubtedly he must have seen the hand of the Lord in the the fact that the nephew had overheard the plotter's plan. And yet he still took personal responsibility to use the information wisely. Brian Bell writes that is is amazing to "watch how God pulled this all off: (1) The otherwise unknown nephew just happened to overhear the plot. (2) He somehow entered the heavily guarded barracks to tell Paul. (3) A centurion was willing to take him to the commander. (4) The busy commander listened to him right away & believed him. (5) Then the commander ordered a small army to escort Paul out of town under cover of darkness. When God makes a promise, He keeps it with remarkable style! We learn 2 important truths: The Grace of God can overshadow any guilt within us & the Power of God can overcome any plot against us! Are you wandering in a wilderness of guilt? Are you lost in a desert of despair? Find the cool springs of Gods Grace & Power! (Sermon) Acts 23:18 So he took him and led him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you." KJV Acts 23:18 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. NET Acts 23:18 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." GNT Acts 23:18 ὁ μὲν οὖν παραλαβὼν αὐτὸν ἤγαγεν πρὸς τὸν χιλίαρχον καὶ φησίν, Ὁ δέσμιος Παῦλος προσκαλεσάμενός με ἠρώτησεν τοῦτον τὸν νεανίσκον ἀγαγεῖν πρὸς σὲ ἔχοντά τι λαλῆσαί σοι. NLT Acts 23:18 So the officer did, explaining, "Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you." ESV Acts 23:18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you." CSB Acts 23:18 So he took him, brought him to the commander, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you." NIV Acts 23:18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you." NAB Acts 23:18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and explained, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked that I bring this young man to you; he has something to say to you." NKJ Acts 23:18 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." NJB Acts 23:18 So the man took him to the tribune, and reported, 'The prisoner Paul summoned me and requested me to bring this young man to you; he has something to tell you.' GWN Acts 23:18 The sergeant took the young man to the officer and said, "The prisoner Paul called me. He asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you." NRS Acts 23:18 So he took him, brought him to the tribune, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you; he has something to tell you." YLT Acts 23:18 He indeed, then, having taken him, brought him unto the chief captain, and saith, 'The prisoner Paul, having called me near, asked me this young man to bring unto thee, having something to say to thee.' Paul the prisoner called me to him Acts 16:25; 27:1; 28:17; Genesis 40:14,15; Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; Philemon 1:9 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S NEPHEW TAKEN TO COMMANDER So he took him and led him to the commander and said "Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you." - The Roman soldier obeys the orders (so to speak) from Paul again emphasizing that God is in control.
Atos 23
Robertson on Jews - As if the whole nation was in the conspiracy and so in Acts 23:12. The conspirators may have belonged to the Zealots, but clearly they represented the state of Jewish feeling toward Paul in Jerusalem. Have agreed (4934)(suntithemi from sun = together + tithemi = to place, put) means literally to put together side by side. The three uses in the NT are all in the middle voice which conveys the meaning "to agree with," to work out a joint arrangement. Although suntithēmi can be used in a positive manner, its appearances in Scripture are all negative, as certain groups of people came together to scheme against those who were godly. In Luke 22:5 the chief priests and teachers of the Law came to an “agreement” to pay Judas for betraying Jesus. In John 9:22 the Jewish leaders “decided” to excommunicate anyone who believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Finally, here in Acts 23:20 relates the “pact” among the Jews as they plotted to kill Paul. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Bring down (2609)(katago from kata = + ago = bring) means (1) to lead or to bring down (Acts 9:30; 22:30; 23:15, 20, 28; Rom. 10:6; Sept.: Gen. 44:21; 1 Kings 1:33). (2) As a navigation term, to cause a boat to put in at a shore or to land (Lk 5:11) or brought bring to shore (Acts 21:3; 27:3; 28:12). Gilbrant - It denotes bringing someone down from a topographically higher elevation to a lower one (e.g., Acts 9:30). In the passive voice it appears to be a nautical idiom meaning “to put into harbor” (in Sidon, Acts 27:3; in Syracuse, Acts 28:12). In Luke 5:11 the verb is used similarly meaning “to bring (the boats) to shore.” In Romans 10:6 Paul used katagō figuratively in part of his description of righteousness which is rooted in faith: “But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down)” (NIV). Then righteous have no need to “bring Christ down” because the Incarnation has already taken place; instead, we need to confess with our mouths and lives that He is Lord (Romans 10:9). Katago - bring...down(3), brought(1), brought...down(3), put(2). Lk. 5:11; Acts 9:30; Acts 22:30; Acts 23:15; Acts 23:20; Acts 23:28; Acts 27:3; Acts 28:12; Rom. 10:6 Katago in Septuagint - Gen. 37:25; Gen. 37:28; Gen. 39:1; Gen. 42:38; Gen. 43:11; Gen. 44:21; Gen. 44:29; Gen. 44:31; Gen. 45:13; Jdg. 7:4; Jdg. 16:21; 1 Sam. 2:6; 1 Sam. 19:12; 1 Sam. 30:15; 1 Sam. 30:16; 1 Ki. 1:33; 1 Ki. 2:6; 1 Ki. 2:9; 1 Ki. 2:35; 1 Ki. 5:9; 1 Ki. 6:35; 1 Ki. 17:23; 1 Ki. 18:40; 2 Ki. 11:19; Ps. 22:15; Ps. 31:17; Ps. 55:23; Ps. 56:7; Ps. 59:11; Ps. 78:16; Prov. 5:5; Prov. 7:27; Isa. 9:3; Isa. 26:5; Isa. 63:3; Isa. 63:6; Jer. 9:18; Jer. 13:17; Jer. 14:17; Lam. 1:13; Lam. 1:16; Lam. 2:10; Lam. 2:18; Lam. 3:48; Ezek. 26:11; Hos. 7:12; Joel 3:2; Amos 3:11; Amos 9:2; Obad. 1:3; Obad. 1:4; Were going to inquire (4441)(punthanomai) means to inquire, ask, seek to learn usually from someone (Mt 2:4; Lk 15:26; 18:36; Jn 4:52; Acts 4:7; 10:18, 29; 21:33; 23:19f.) The word carries the sense of asking by inquiry, rather than asking by making a request to receive something. (2). To learn by inquiry, to find out by inquiry (Acts 23:34). When the twins Jacob and Esau struggled in the womb, Rebekah "went to inquire of the LORD." (Ge 25:22). Acts 23:21 "So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you." KJV 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 killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. NET Acts 23:21 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." GNT Acts 23:21 σὺ οὖν μὴ πεισθῇς αὐτοῖς· ἐνεδρεύουσιν γὰρ αὐτὸν ἐξ αὐτῶν ἄνδρες πλείους τεσσεράκοντα, οἵτινες ἀνεθεμάτισαν ἑαυτοὺς μήτε φαγεῖν μήτε πιεῖν ἕως οὗ ἀνέλωσιν αὐτόν, καὶ νῦν εἰσιν ἕτοιμοι προσδεχόμενοι τὴν ἀπὸ σοῦ ἐπαγγελίαν. NLT Acts 23:21 There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent." ESV Acts 23:21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent." CSB Acts 23:21 Don't let them persuade you, because there are more than 40 of them arranging to ambush him, men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they kill him. Now they are ready, waiting for a commitment from you." NIV Acts 23:21 Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request." NAB Acts 23:21 but do not believe them. More than forty of them are lying in wait for him; they have bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are now ready and only wait for your consent." NKJ Acts 23:21 "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." NJB Acts 23:21 Do not believe them. There are more than forty of them lying in wait for him, and they have vowed not to eat or drink until they have got rid of him. They are ready now and only waiting for your order to be given.' GWN Acts 23:21 Don't let them persuade you to do this. More than forty of them are planning to ambush him. They have asked God to curse them if they eat or drink anything before they have murdered him. They are ready now and are expecting you to promise that you will bring Paul." NRS Acts 23:21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent." YLT Acts 23:21 thou, therefore, mayest thou not yield to them, for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, who did anathematize themselves -- not to eat nor to drink till they kill him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from thee.' for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him Acts 23:12-14; 9:23,24; 14:5,6; 20:19; 25:3; 2 Cor 11:26,32,33 bound themselves under a curse Acts 23: 14; Ro 9:3 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S NEPHEW TO COMMANDER: DON'T GIVE IN TO THE JEWISH RUSE Ruse is a a deceptive maneuver, an action intended to mislead, deceive, or trick. So do not listen to them - Double negative (ou...me) signifying absolutely in no way give in to their trickery! Literally "do not be persuaded by them." "But don't do it!" (NLT) Remember the commander knew that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had the duty to protect his prisoner! Listen ( persuade) (3982)(peitho) means literally to persuade or induce by words to believe (Acts 19:26, Mt 27:20, Ro 14:14). Persuade means to win approval or support for; to cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action; to twist somebody's arm. For - Term of explanation - Paul's nephew explains why the commander must not yield to the request/ More than forty of them are lying in wait for him - The Jews were waiting to ambush Paul. As he related this story, the plotters were ready to spring the trap on Paul. Lying in wait (1748)(enedreuo from enedra = ambush) means to lie in wait as in war or in ambush in order to kill someone. BDAG - to conceal oneself in a suitable position for surprise attack, to use intrigue - plot." It is used only in Acts 23:21 and Lk 11:54 where the Pharisees and scribes were "plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say." In Lk 11:54+ the verb is more figurative for they were "lying in wait" so to speak planning with the purpose of bringing harm (to Jesus). Of a harlot who "lurks by every corner." (ready to "ambush" a naive man - Pr 7:12) Louw-Nida - to conceal oneself or to proceed secretly, while waiting for an appropriate opportunity to attack - 'to be in an ambush, to make plans for a secret attack, ambush. Enedreuo in the Septuagint - Deut. 19:11 = "lies in wait for him"; Jos. 8:4 "See, you are going to ambush the city"; Jdg. 9:25 = "The men of Shechem set men in ambush against him"; Jdg. 9:32; Jdg. 9:34; Jdg. 9:43; Jdg. 16:2; Jdg. 21:20; 1 Sam. 15:5; 2 Sam. 3:27; Job 24:11; Job 38:40; Ps. 10:9; Prov. 7:12; Prov. 26:19; Lam. 3:10; Lam. 4:19; Lk. 11:54; Acts 23:21 Who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay (anaireo) him - Bound under an oath (332) see above on anathematizo And now they are ready (hetoimos) and waiting (prosdechomai - expectantly) for the promise (epaggelia/epangelia) from you - "They are ready now and are waiting for your consent." (NRSV) "This item is all that is needed to put the scheme through, the young man shrewdly adds." (Robertson) Ready (also in Acts 23:15)(2092)(hetoimos from an old noun heteos = fitness) means ready, prepared, in a state of readiness. They are ready and willing! Waiting (4327)(prosdechomai from pros = in compound Greek words implies motion or direction toward + dechomai = a deliberate and ready reception) describes one who is waiting for something with a sense of expectancy. These Satanically inspired Jews are waiting expectantly to take a temporal life. This is so sad, because this same verb is used to describe Spirit inspired saints eagerly looking for the One Who is life eternal! (Lk 2:25, 38+). Andrews - "They had planned together and now they were waiting on the commander’s promise to the council to have another meeting. The ball was now in the commander’s court—he would now have to do something with the information that he had received!" (Ibid) Acts 23:22 So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, "Tell no one that you have notified me of these things." KJV Acts 23:22 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. NET Acts 23:22 Then the commanding officer sent the young man away, directing him, "Tell no one that you have reported these things to me." GNT Acts 23:22 ὁ μὲν οὖν χιλίαρχος ἀπέλυσε τὸν νεανίσκον παραγγείλας μηδενὶ ἐκλαλῆσαι ὅτι ταῦτα ἐνεφάνισας πρός με. NLT Acts 23:22 "Don't let anyone know you told me this," the commander warned the young man. KJV Acts 23:22 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. ESV Acts 23:22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of these things." CSB Acts 23:22 So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, "Don't tell anyone that you have informed me about this." NIV Acts 23:22 The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him, "Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me." NAB Acts 23:22 As the commander dismissed the young man he directed him, "Tell no one that you gave me this information." NKJ Acts 23:22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me." NJB Acts 23:22 The tribune let the young man go with this order, 'Tell no one that you have given me this information.' GWN Acts 23:22 The officer dismissed the young man and ordered him not to tell this information to anyone else. NRS Acts 23:22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, ordering him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of this." YLT Acts 23:22 The chief captain, then, indeed, let the young man go, having charged him to tell no one, 'that these things thou didst shew unto me;' Joshua 2:14; Mark 1:44 Video of Plot to Kill Paul Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries So the commander (chiliarchos) let the young man go - "So the tribune dismissed the young man" - It is interesting that the Roman did not ask for corroboration of this unusual story. Of course, given the behavior of Jewish people outside of the Fortress and the Jewish leaders in the council, he clearly believed the young man's story. Young man (also Acts 23:18)(3495)(neaniskos a diminutive of neanias [from neos = new, young] = a youth, young man, Acts 7:58, 20:9) describes a youth in the prime of life (from 20 to 40 years of age) (Mt 19:20) or an older boy (Acts 23:18) . Instructing him "Tell no one that you have notified me of these things." - The shrewd commander did not want the Jewish gang to know that the "jig was up" so to speak. Instructing (3853)(paraggello) means to hand on or pass on an announcement from one to another who is at one's side, such as to what must be done, usually with the idea of a command or charge.
Atos 23
Robertson - Felix was a brother of Pallas, the notorious favourite of Claudius. Both had been slaves and were now freedmen. Felix was made procurator of Judea by Claudius A.D. 52. He held the position till Festus succeeded him after complaints by the Jews to Nero. He married Drusilla the daughter of Herod Agrippa I with the hope of winning the favour of the Jews. He was one of the most depraved men of his time. Tacitus says of him that "with all cruelty and lust he exercised the power of a king with the spirit of a slave." The term "governor" (hēgemōn) means "leader" from hēgeomai, to lead, and was applied to leaders of all sorts (emperors, kings, procurators). In the N.T. it is used of Pilate (Matthew 27:2), of Felix, (Acts 23:24, 26, 33; Acts 24:1), of Festus (Acts 26:30). Herschel Ford wrote, “Did ever a preacher have such an escort? Here are four hundred and seventy Roman soldiers, armed to the teeth, with Paul sitting on a horse in the midst of them... Preachers still need protection today. They need to be surrounded by the prayers of their people, by the love and cooperation of their flock. If your pastor is a true man of God, be jealous for his good name. Give him all the protection he needs, and so help him to do a greater work for the Lord.”
Atos 23
Robertson - The use of tupon (type or form) like exemplum in Latin (Page who quotes Cicero Ad Att. IX. 6. 3) may give merely the purport or substantial contents of the letter. But there is no reason for thinking that it is not a genuine copy since the letter may have been read in open court before Felix, and Luke was probably with Paul. The Roman law required that a subordinate officer like Lysias in reporting a case to his superior should send a written statement of the case and it was termed elogium. A copy of the letter may have been given Paul after his appeal to Caesar. It was probably written in Latin. The letter is a "dexterous mixture of truth and falsehood" (Furneaux) with the stamp of genuineness. It puts things in a favourable light for Lysias and makes no mention of his order to scourge Paul. Longenecker on this form (or this type) - In saying that the commander wrote a letter "of this type" (lit., "having this pattern"; NIV, "as follows"), Luke acknowledged that what follows is only the general purport of the letter. He would hardly have been in a position to read the correspondence between a Roman commander and a Roman provincial governor. What he knew of the letter probably came from Paul, who himself would only have known about its contents as the governor used it in the initial questioning of his prisoner. (Ibid) Keener - The empire (except perhaps for Egypt) had no postal service except for official government business; most people sent letters via slaves or friends. The commander sends this letter with the soldiers.(Ibid) Acts 23:26 "Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. KJV Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. NET Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias to His Excellency Governor Felix, greetings. GNT Acts 23:26 Κλαύδιος Λυσίας τῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι χαίρειν. NLT Acts 23:26 "From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings! ESV Acts 23:26 "Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. CSB Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. NIV Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. NAB Acts 23:26 "Claudius Lysias to his excellency the governor Felix, greetings. NKJ Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. NJB Acts 23:26 'Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. GWN Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias sends greetings to Your Excellency, Governor Felix: NRS Acts 23:26 "Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. YLT Acts 23:26 'Claudius Lysias, to the most noble governor Felix, hail: BBE Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, to the most noble ruler, Felix, peace be with you. to the most excellent governor Felix Acts 24:3; 26:25;; Luke 1:3 greetings Acts 15:23; James 1:1; 3 John 1:14 Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings - Notice that ancient letters told who the author was at the beginning, not after you had read the letter (cf 1 Th 1:1, etc). Most excellent (2903)(kratistos superlative from kratus = strong) is an honorary way to address high officials. Most noble. BDAG - "strongly affirmative honorary form of address." Used to address Theophilus, Claudius (Acts 23:26), Felix (Acts 24:3) and Festus (Acts 26:25). Used 4x in NT - Lk. 1:3; Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25 Longenecker - The title "Excellency" (kratistos) originally denoted a member of the Roman equestrian order (Lat. egregius), like that of knights in Britain. Later it became an honorific title for highly placed officials in the Roman government (as here, Acts 24:3; 26:25), but it was also used as a form of polite address (cf. Acts 1:1). (Expositor's Bible Commentary – Volume 9: John and Acts) Thompson - Felix was very high in the Roman hierarchy. There are four major sources of historical data from this time in history: 1) The Bible; 2) Suetonius; 3) Tacitus; 4) Josephus, and all four talk about Felix. Felix was born into slavery but was given his freedom either by the mother of Claudius (Tacitus) or by Claudius himself (Josephus). He rose high in Roman politics. He was the governor of Judea from A.D. 52-59. He was a corrupt politician. According to Tacitus, he was known for stamping out Jewish uprisings in brutal and ruthless ways. So this was his kind of case. Greetings is the verb chairo used in letters (Acts 15:23; James 1:1) and in countless papyri." (Robertson) Since the verb chairo meant to be in a state of happiness and well being, the idea in a formalized greeting was that of wishing one well. Acts 23:27 "When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. KJV Acts 23:27 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. NET Acts 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, when I came up with the detachment and rescued him, because I had learned that he was a Roman citizen. GNT Acts 23:27 Τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον συλλημφθέντα ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων καὶ μέλλοντα ἀναιρεῖσθαι ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἐπιστὰς σὺν τῷ στρατεύματι ἐξειλάμην μαθὼν ὅτι Ῥωμαῖός ἐστιν. NLT Acts 23:27 "This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. KJV Acts 23:27 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. ESV Acts 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. CSB Acts 23:27 When this man had been seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, I arrived with my troops and rescued him because I learned that he is a Roman citizen. NIV Acts 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. NAB Acts 23:27 This man, seized by the Jews and about to be murdered by them, I rescued after intervening with my troops when I learned that he was a Roman citizen. NKJ Acts 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. NJB Acts 23:27 This man had been seized by the Jews and would have been murdered by them; but I came on the scene with my troops and got him away, having discovered that he was a Roman citizen. GWN Acts 23:27 The Jews had seized this man and were going to murder him. When I found out that he was a Roman citizen, I went with my soldiers to rescue him. NRS Acts 23:27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, but when I had learned that he was a Roman citizen, I came with the guard and rescued him. YLT Acts 23:27 This man having been taken by the Jews, and being about to be killed by them -- having come with the soldiery, I rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman; When this man was arrested by the Jews Acts 23: 10; 21:31-33; 24:7 having learned that he was a Roman Acts 22:25-29 Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAINTING ONE'S SELF IN A "GOOD LIGHT" The idiom paint in a good light means to depict or show in a particular way, or from a particular perspective that is good, positive, favorable to the one "painting" the picture. When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman - Claudius conveniently leaves out the scene in which he almost had Paul scourged! Like natural men often do to save face, he is not telling the full story, for fear of reprimand.
Atos 23
Robertson - Lysias thus expresses the opinion that Paul ought to be set free and the lenient treatment that Paul received in Caesarea and Rome (first imprisonment) is probably due to this report of Lysias. Every Roman magistrate before whom Paul appears declares him innocent (Gallio, Lysias, Felix, Festus).
Atos 23
Robertson says before you (epi sou) is as "Common idiom for "in the presence of" when before a judge (like Latin apud) as in Acts 24:20-21; Acts 25:26; Acts 26:2. What happened to the forty conspirators we have no way of knowing. Neither they nor the Jews from Asia are heard of more during the long five years of Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome." (ED: Perhaps they died of starvation since they failed to accomplish their objective to kill Paul! If the traditions of the Jewish Mishnah were held at this time there was provision for a sacrifice or offering to atone for the failure to keep a vow. Thus, there may have been over 40 extra sacrifices brought to the temple that day.) Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. KJV Acts 23:31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. NET Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him to Antipatris during the night. GNT Acts 23:31 Οἱ μὲν οὖν στρατιῶται κατὰ τὸ διατεταγμένον αὐτοῖς ἀναλαβόντες τὸν Παῦλον ἤγαγον διὰ νυκτὸς εἰς τὴν Ἀντιπατρίδα, NLT Acts 23:31 So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. ESV Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. CSB Acts 23:31 Therefore, the soldiers took Paul during the night and brought him to Antipatris as they were ordered. NIV Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. NAB Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and escorted him by night to Antipatris. NKJ Acts 23:31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. NJB Acts 23:31 The soldiers carried out their orders; they took Paul and escorted him by night to Antipatris. GWN Acts 23:31 So the infantrymen did as they had been ordered. They took Paul to the city of Antipatris during the night. NRS Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris. YLT Acts 23:31 Then, indeed, the soldiers according to that directed them, having taken up Paul, brought him through the night to Antipatris, in accordance with their orders Acts 23:23,24; Luke 7:8; 2 Ti 2:3,4 Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea Watch Acts video of Paul's transfer to Caesarea MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! So (men oun) is a term of conclusion. Luke completes his account of Paul's transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. The soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night - Talk about security measures! One night Paul spends with Jesus. Now he is guarded by Roman soldiers. Do you think Paul was anxious about anything at this point? Toussaint - The terrain from Jerusalem to Lydda or Joppa (modern-day Lod; cf. Acts 9:32-43), seven or eight miles before Antipatris, was difficult and would provide suitable cover for an ambush party. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Soldiers (4757)(stratiotes from stratia = an army, cp strateuomai = to make war) in the majority of NT uses refers to a man (or men) engaged in military service; one whose occupation is military; a man enlisted for service in an army; a private, or one in the ranks. Stratiotes is used metaphorically in 2Ti 2:3. Surprisingly stratiotes is not used in the Septuagint. Orders (1299)(diatasso from dia = through + tasso = order) means literally to arrange thoroughly, to arrange in its proper order, to issue orderly and detailed instructions as to what must be done. To command (with the implication of setting in order) as did Emperor Claudius’ “commanding” that Jews must leave Rome (Acts 18:2, cp Lk 3:13). To Antipatris - Antipatris was built by Herod the Great in honor of his father Antipater. The Romans had located a Roman colony there, so it was a convenient and safe place for the Roman soldiers to stop and spend the rest of the night. The exact location of this town is unknown. This would have been a difficult ride for they had to cover 40 miles under the cover of darkness. And remember some were foot soldiers so this would have been an intense march. At least it would have been downhill all the way. It was mentioned several times by Josephus (Ant. 13.390; Josephus Wars 1.99) Keener adds "Troops were able and trained to undertake all-night marches when necessary, as Josephus testifies." (Ibid) Acts 23:32 But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. KJV Acts 23:32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: NET Acts 23:32 The next day they let the horsemen go on with him, and they returned to the barracks. GNT Acts 23:32 τῇ δὲ ἐπαύριον ἐάσαντες τοὺς ἱππεῖς ἀπέρχεσθαι σὺν αὐτῷ ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν· NLT Acts 23:32 They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea. KJV Acts 23:32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: ESV Acts 23:32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. CSB Acts 23:32 The next day, they returned to the barracks, allowing the cavalry to go on with him. NIV Acts 23:32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. NAB Acts 23:32 The next day they re turned to the compound, leaving the horsemen to complete the journey with him. NKJ Acts 23:32 The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. NJB Acts 23:32 Next day they left the mounted escort to go on with him and returned to the fortress. GWN Acts 23:32 They returned to their barracks the next day and let the soldiers on horseback travel with Paul. NRS Acts 23:32 The next day they let the horsemen go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. YLT Acts 23:32 and on the morrow, having suffered the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the castle; THE PARTY BREAKS UP But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks - They obviously concluded the greatest danger to Paul's life was now past and sent the 200 foot soldiers and the 200 spearmen back to Jerusalem. Paul would travel this last 20-25 on horse accompanied by 70 horsemen, a journey that would take less than a day, so that if they began at daybreak (cf "the next day"), they would have arrived before "high noon." (cf the famous western High Noon) As an aside one wonders how many of these Roman soldiers we will see in heaven? You have to believe Paul did not waste a precious second in sharing the Good News that would ultimately decide his hearer's eternal destiny!