13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
13 More than forty men were involved in this plot.
13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy.
13 Over forty of them ritually bound themselves to this murder pact
13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy.
13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 23:13
Commentary on Acts 23:12-24
(Read Acts 23:12-24)
False religious principles, adopted by carnal men, urge on to such wickedness, as human nature would hardly be supposed capable of. Yet the Lord readily disappoints the best concerted schemes of iniquity. Paul knew that the Divine providence acts by reasonable and prudent means; and that, if he neglected to use the means in his power, he could not expect God's providence to work on his behalf. He who will not help himself according to his means and power, has neither reason nor revelation to assure him that he shall receive help from God. Believing in the Lord, we and ours shall be kept from every evil work, and kept to his kingdom. Heavenly Father, give us by thy Holy Spirit, for Christ's sake, this precious faith.