A Conspiracy to Kill Paul

The day after Jesus reassured Paul in the barracks, more than forty angry Jews hatched a plot to kill him (verses 12-13; cf 9:24; 20:19). Their oath not to eat nor drink until they had murdered the apostle meant they intended to act quickly. They approached the chief priests and elders (avoiding the minority Pharisees, who had defended Paul) and told them of their plan. The Sanhedrin, apparently cooperating, agreed to act as if they were reconvening to discuss Paul's crimes. The plan meant that as Paul approached the meeting, the assassins would intercept and execute him. These terrorists, like many modern-day terrorists, would stop at nothing to achieve their selfish, religious goals. Such an evil plan would appeal to Ananias the high priest, who was known for such violence. God, however, would thwart the scheme.