Topical Bible: Conspiracy: Paul

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The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, faced numerous conspiracies throughout his ministry. These plots against him were often driven by religious leaders and others who opposed his teachings about Jesus Christ and the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The conspiracies against Paul highlight the intense opposition he faced and the divine protection that enabled him to fulfill his mission.

Conspiracy in Damascus:

Paul's conversion from a zealous Pharisee to a devoted follower of Christ marked the beginning of his troubles. After his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6), Paul began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. This sudden transformation alarmed the Jewish leaders in Damascus, who conspired to kill him. Acts 9:23-25 states, "After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. But his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall."

Conspiracy in Jerusalem:

Paul's return to Jerusalem was met with suspicion and hostility. In Acts 23, we find a detailed account of a conspiracy against him. More than forty Jews bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. Acts 23:12-13 records, "When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty of them were involved in this plot." However, Paul's nephew learned of the plot and informed the Roman commander, leading to Paul's transfer to Caesarea under heavy guard, thus thwarting the conspiracy.

Conspiracy in Ephesus:

In Ephesus, Paul's successful ministry led to a significant number of conversions, which threatened the local economy, particularly the trade of silver shrines of the goddess Artemis. This economic impact incited a riot led by a silversmith named Demetrius, who gathered others in a conspiracy to oppose Paul. Acts 19:23-27 describes how Demetrius stirred up the craftsmen, saying, "Men, you know that this business is our source of prosperity. And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in nearly the whole province of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great number of people."

Conspiracy in Corinth:

Paul also faced opposition in Corinth, where he was accused by the Jews before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia. Although this incident did not result in a direct conspiracy to kill him, it reflects the persistent efforts to undermine his ministry. Acts 18:12-13 states, "While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. 'This man,' they charged, 'is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.'"

Divine Protection and Mission:

Throughout these conspiracies, Paul's life was preserved by divine intervention and the support of fellow believers. His experiences underscore the spiritual warfare faced by early Christians and the resilience required to spread the Gospel. Despite the numerous plots against him, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, ultimately fulfilling his calling to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and authoring many of the New Testament epistles that continue to guide and inspire Christians today.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 18:12
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
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Acts 23:12-15
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
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Library

Paul Before Felix.
... banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying, that they would neither
eat nor drink, till they had killed Paul." Such a conspiracy must excite ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

A Plot Detected
... occasion of the conspiracy. A Christian man's defence of himself and his faith gains
nothing by clever tactics. It is very doubtful whether what Paul spoke 'in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a plot detected.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed
Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy." Here was ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... in season, the designs of the Jewish Sanhedrim against Paul were defeated. ... cannot
find their enterprise." Besides, although in their conspiracy against religion ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... in number, now entered into a conspiracy binding themselves "under a curse, saying,
that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul;" [136:4 ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... they were treated as the foes of the human race; and a conspiracy of Jews and ... of
their duty, the eleven were forewarned by our Saviour himself, and Paul, by a ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The Character of the Commonitory which the Legates Received ...
... For the military band overthrew the dire conspiracy which was threatening Paul.
Here follows a brief declaration of what things were decreed in this Synod. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xciii greek xcvi the.htm

Acts XXIII
... (16) But the son of Paul's sister heard of their lying in wait, and came and entered
into the castle, and told Paul." It is difficult for a conspiracy for this ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiii.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... A conspiracy leads to Paul's deportation to Cesarea, where he defends his course
before Felix, Festus and Agrippa, and on account of the unfair treatment ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued): 1563-1564
... clothes at various times." Knox tried the case at Jedburgh; Paul was excommunicated ...
that he was to assassinate her, as part of a great Protestant conspiracy. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xvi knox and queen.htm