12 When it was day , the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath , saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul . 13 There were more than forty who formed this plot . 14 They came to the chief priests and the elders and said , "We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul 15 "Now therefore , you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case e by a more thorough investigation ; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place." 16 But the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush , and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul . 17 Paul called one of the centurions to him and said , "Lead this young man to the commander , for he has something to report to him." 18 So he took him and led him to the commander and said , "Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you." 19 The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside , began to inquire of him privately e , "What is it that you have to report to me? 20 And he said , " The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council , as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21 "So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you. 22 So the commander let the young man go , instructing him, "Tell no one that you have notified me of these things ."
23 And he called to him two of the centurions and said , "Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea , with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen ." 24 They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 23:12-24
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.