Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the account of the Jews' vow to kill the Apostle Paul is a significant event that highlights the intense opposition he faced from certain Jewish factions. This episode is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 23:12-22. The narrative provides insight into the religious and cultural dynamics of the time, as well as the lengths to which Paul's adversaries were willing to go to silence his ministry.Context and Background The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a devout Jew and a Pharisee before his dramatic conversion to Christianity. His transformation and subsequent mission to spread the Gospel among the Gentiles made him a controversial figure among Jewish leaders. Paul's teachings, which emphasized salvation through faith in Jesus Christ rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law, were perceived as a direct threat to Jewish religious traditions and authority. The Plot Against Paul The plot to kill Paul is set against the backdrop of his arrest in Jerusalem. After being accused of defiling the temple by bringing Gentiles into its inner courts, Paul was seized by an angry mob. Roman authorities intervened, and Paul was taken into custody for his protection. During his imprisonment, Paul was given the opportunity to address the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which only intensified the animosity against him. Acts 23:12-14 describes the conspiracy: "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. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, 'We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.'" The Nature of the Vow The vow taken by these Jews was a serious and binding commitment, reflecting the depth of their determination. In Jewish tradition, vows were considered sacred and inviolable, often involving severe consequences if broken. The conspirators' willingness to abstain from food and drink until they accomplished their goal underscores their fervent desire to eliminate Paul, whom they viewed as a blasphemer and a threat to their religious identity. Divine Intervention and Protection Despite the deadly intent of the conspirators, divine providence played a crucial role in thwarting their plans. Paul's nephew, who overheard the plot, informed Paul of the danger. Paul then instructed the young man to report the conspiracy to the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. The commander took immediate action to protect Paul, arranging for a detachment of soldiers to escort him safely to Caesarea under the cover of night. Acts 23:23-24 recounts the commander's response: "Then he called two of his centurions and said, 'Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Governor Felix.'" Implications and Significance The plot to kill Paul and its subsequent failure illustrate the persistent opposition faced by early Christians and the protective hand of God over His servants. This event also highlights the tension between the nascent Christian movement and traditional Jewish authorities, a recurring theme in the Acts of the Apostles. The narrative serves as a testament to the resilience of the early Church and the fulfillment of God's purposes despite human schemes. The account of the Jews' vow to kill Paul is a vivid reminder of the spiritual warfare that accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel. It underscores the reality that those who stand for truth may face persecution, yet it also affirms the assurance of divine protection and the ultimate triumph of God's will. Nave's Topical Index Acts 23:12-15And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library The Third Commandment Acts xxi. 18, 19 Acts XXI Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556 The Eighth Book Repentance The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted. Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ... Rom. xii. 1 "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " Resources Is the Catholic concept of a nun biblical? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian wedding be different from a non-Christian wedding? | GotQuestions.org What is a religious order? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Vows of Certain Jews With Paul Vows of Children Void Without the Consent of Parents Vows of Hannah, to Consecrate to the Lord the Child for Which She Prayed Vows of Job, not to Entertain Thoughts of Fornication Vows of Mariners Who Cast out Jonah Vows of Married Women Void Without Consent of Husbands Vows of the Jews, to Kill Paul Vows of the Mother of Micah, in the Dedication of Silver for the Making of an Idol Vows of Things Corrupt or Blemished an Insult to God Vows of Widows and Women Divorced from Their Husbands Binding Vows of Wives, Could Only be Objected to at the Time of Making Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul Vows were Made in Reference to Dedicating Children to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting Property to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting the Person to God Vows were Made in Reference to Offering Sacrifices Vows: All Things Dedicated By, to be Brought to the Tabernacle Vows: Clean Beasts the Subjects of, not to be Redeemed Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making Vows: Edible Things offered In, to be Eaten the Same Day They Were offered Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation Vows: Rash: The Israelites, to Destroy the Benjamites Vows: Solemn Promises Made to God Vows: The Hire of a Prostitute or Price of a Dog Could not be The Vows: The Redemption Price of the offering of Real Estate, to be Valued by the Priest Vows: Things Forbidden to be offered in Receipts of the Whore and the Price of a "Dog" Vows: Things offered In, to be Brought to the Tabernacle or Temple Vows: To be Performed Faithfully Vows: To be Performed Without Delay Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |
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