Acts 23:12-22

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+23:12-22

The Plot to Kill Paul

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 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.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 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.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 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.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

23:14, 15 When the Pharisee/Sadducee controversy died down, the religious leaders refocused their attention on Paul. To these leaders, politics and position had become more important than God. They were ready to plan another murder, just as they had done with Jesus. But as always, God was in control.

23:16 This is the only Biblical reference to Paul's family. Some scholars believed that Paul's family had disowned Paul when he became a Christian. Paul wrote of having suffered the loss of everything for Christ (Philippians 3:8). Paul's nephew was able to see Paul, even though Paul was in protective custody, because Roman prisoners were accessible to their relatives and friends who could bring them food and other amenities.

23:16-22 It is easy to overlook children, assuming that they aren't old enough to do much for the Lord. But a young boy played an important part in protecting Paul's life. God can use anyone, of any age, who is willing to yield to him. Jesus made it clear that children are important (Matthew 18:2-6). Give children the importance God gives them.

How did the son of Paul's sister hear of this plot? Would you call him one of the first "whistleblowers"? Where did he get up the courage to go tell Paul and get his counsel? How did God work in all this? Was God's message to Paul that he would testify in Rome an assurance that this plot would fail, despite the numbers of men who were "all in," pledging not to eat or drink and stuff? This passage evokes lots of questions. My thoughts ran to the protection of God for His own. And, admittedly, to the arrogance of men to think they could control this Paul situation by killing him.

Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine protection and guidance in these difficult times. Thank you for assurances of that guidance. Help us to keep our thoughts on You through constant, unceasing prayers. Let us seek You, Lord. Truly seek You. Let us put our sincere petitions up to You. Let us see Your works clearly and give You praise daily+ for them. Oh Lord, fill us with Your righteousness and respect for life. Lord, let us pray for our nations too. And for true justice to prevail in truth. According to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/rG_y6X2K_dM

Have a blessed day.