Acts 23:12-24

Jewish Plot: Removal of Paul. The Jews propose what the tribune, in Acts 22:30 to Acts 23:10, has already done on his own initiative; here we are on historical ground. The hated person being removed from their power, they plan an assassination. Forty of them make themselves a curse (so literally), i.e. they are to be accursed if they do not carry out their purpose; and they are to fast till it is done. For this end they apply to the high priests and elders to get the tribune to bring Paul down to a meeting for a further inquiry. No doubt is entertained apparently that the leaders will countenance such a plot. The tribune, who is well disposed to Paul since he discovered his citizenship, at once removes him from danger; but 470 men seem a large force for the purpose. Lysias-' motive in all this apparatus was his fear that the Jews might get hold of Paul and kill him, and he be accused of corruption in letting them do so. The start is ordered at 9 P.M., and Paul is to be got through to Felix at Cæ sarea. On Felix, see p. 610.