Acts 23:13

KJV

And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they were {G2258} more than {G4119} forty {G5062} which {G3588} had made {G4160} this {G5026} conspiracy {G4945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

more than forty were involved in this plot.

Berean Standard Bible

More than forty of them were involved in this plot.

American Standard Version

And they were more than forty that made this conspiracy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:13 reveals the chilling scope of a deadly conspiracy against the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem, detailing that "more than forty" individuals had bound themselves by a solemn oath to assassinate him. This verse underscores the extreme and organized peril Paul faced, highlighting the intense animosity and fanaticism of those who opposed his message and ministry, yet it implicitly sets the stage for God's sovereign intervention to protect His chosen instrument.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Acts 23:12](/acts/23-12 "Acts 23:12 - The Oath Against Paul"), which describes certain Jews forming a conspiracy and binding themselves with a curse not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. The preceding narrative details Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, his defense before the Jewish crowd, and his tumultuous appearance before the Sanhedrin. During the Sanhedrin hearing, Paul skillfully divided his accusers by declaring his belief in the resurrection of the dead, causing a violent uproar between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Roman commander, Lysias, had to intervene to rescue Paul from being torn apart. Thus, [Acts 23:13](/acts/23-13 "Acts 23:13 - The Forty Conspirators") provides a crucial detail about the scale and intensity of the plot that emerged directly from this volatile environment, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent transfer to Caesarea.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and his subsequent arrest occurred during a period of heightened religious and political tension in Judea under Roman rule. Jerusalem was a hotbed of Jewish nationalism and religious zealotry, with various factions holding strong, often conflicting, views on the Law, tradition, and the Messiah. The conspirators mentioned in [Acts 23:13](/acts/23-13 "Acts 23:13 - The Forty Conspirators") were likely radicalized individuals, possibly from the zealous factions, who viewed Paul as a dangerous apostate threatening their religious identity and national distinctiveness. Their solemn oath, a self-imposed curse, was a recognized practice in the ancient world to ensure commitment to a vow, indicating the depth of their resolve and fanaticism. Such extreme measures reflect the profound animosity Paul's gospel message, particularly its implications for the Mosaic Law and the inclusion of Gentiles, provoked among conservative Jewish elements.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Intense Opposition and Persecution** faced by the early church and its leaders, particularly Paul, as he faithfully proclaimed the gospel. The sheer number of conspirators and the severity of their oath underscore the formidable human resistance to God's redemptive plan. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Protection**, as this grave plot ultimately fails, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding Paul's ministry and preserving his life for His purposes, as seen throughout Paul's journey (e.g., [Acts 14:19-20](/acts/14-19-20 "Paul Stoned at Lystra and Survives")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the dangers of **Religious Fanaticism and Zealotry** when unchecked by divine love and truth, showing how deeply held convictions can tragically devolve into murderous intent, a stark contrast to the Spirit-empowered witness described in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **more than (Greek, _pleíōn'_):** Derived from *polys* (many), this comparative adjective signifies a greater quantity, number, or quality. In [Acts 23:13](/acts/23-13 "Acts 23:13 - The Forty Conspirators"), it emphasizes that the number of conspirators exceeded a significant baseline of forty, indicating a substantial and formidable group. This numerical detail is crucial for understanding the gravity of the threat Paul faced, suggesting an organized and well-resourced plot rather than a spontaneous act by a few individuals.
* **had made (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This versatile verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application. Here, it denotes the active formation and execution of the conspiracy. It implies deliberate action, planning, and commitment on the part of the group, rather than a passive agreement. The use of this verb underscores the intentionality and agency of the conspirators in bringing their plot into existence.
* **conspiracy (Greek, _synōmosía'_):** This noun is derived from a compound of *syn* (with) and *omnyo* (to swear), literally meaning "a swearing together" or "a sworn confederacy." It powerfully conveys the binding nature of the oath taken by the group, indicating a unified, determined, and secretive intent to carry out their murderous plan. The term highlights the collective and covenantal aspect of their plot, making it particularly menacing and difficult to infiltrate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were more than forty":** This clause reveals the significant numerical strength of the group plotting against Paul. The phrase "more than forty" is not merely a descriptive detail but emphasizes the formidable nature of the opposition. It implies an organized, substantial, and committed force, making the threat to Paul's life exceptionally severe and immediate. This large number underscores the widespread animosity Paul had stirred among certain Jewish factions.
* **"which had made this conspiracy.":** This second clause identifies the specific action of this large group: they had "made" or formed a "conspiracy." The term "conspiracy" (Greek *synōmosía*) signifies a sworn agreement or plot, highlighting the binding oath they had taken (as mentioned in [Acts 23:12](/acts/23-12 "Acts 23:12 - The Oath Against Paul")). This indicates a deliberate, premeditated, and unified effort to assassinate Paul, driven by a deep-seated hatred and religious zeal. The phrase confirms the grave and organized nature of the threat.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 23:13 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The precise numerical detail, **Specific Enumeration** ("more than forty"), serves to amplify the scale and gravity of the threat, making it tangible and immediate. This is not a vague danger but a concrete, organized force. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows from the broader narrative of Acts and Paul's future ministry that this plot will ultimately fail. This knowledge heightens the tension, emphasizing God's sovereign protection over Paul despite overwhelming human malice. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching **Conflict** motif prevalent in Acts, pitting human opposition and religious zealotry against divine purpose and the spread of the gospel. The intensity of this human plot serves to highlight the greater power of God's providence, which consistently overcomes such obstacles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:13 vividly portrays the intense human opposition that often arises against God's purposes and His chosen servants. Theologically, it underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness, operating through human agents, seek to hinder the advancement of the gospel. Yet, even in the face of such formidable plots, the narrative of Acts consistently demonstrates God's unwavering sovereignty and protective hand over those He calls. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that while evil may conspire with great numbers and solemn oaths, God's plan cannot be thwarted by human malice. It reinforces the truth that God's people, though often persecuted, are ultimately secure in His divine purpose.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "No weapon formed against you shall prosper.")
* [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:13 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world often hostile to the gospel. It reminds us that following Christ can indeed invite intense opposition, even organized plots, against those who faithfully proclaim His truth. However, this verse also serves as a powerful testament to God's unfailing protection and His sovereign control over all circumstances. Just as Paul was preserved despite a seemingly insurmountable threat, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that His purposes will prevail regardless of human schemes or the intensity of opposition. This passage encourages us to remain steadfast in our witness, recognizing that even the most formidable challenges can be opportunities for God to display His power and faithfulness. It also serves as a cautionary tale against religious zeal that deviates into hatred and violence, urging us to always pursue truth with love and humility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of this conspiracy challenge or confirm your understanding of the opposition faced by early Christians?**
* **In what ways might God be protecting you or others in your community from unseen "conspiracies" or spiritual attacks?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the conspirators' extreme zeal, and how can we ensure our own passion for God remains rooted in love and truth?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty when facing seemingly overwhelming challenges in your own life or ministry?**

### FAQ
**What was the motivation behind this large conspiracy against Paul?**

Answer: The motivation behind this conspiracy was deeply rooted in the religious and political tensions of the time, exacerbated by Paul's ministry. The conspirators, likely zealous Jews, viewed Paul as a dangerous apostate who was undermining the Mosaic Law, Jewish traditions, and the Temple. His preaching about Jesus as the Messiah, particularly his emphasis on salvation by grace through faith for both Jews and Gentiles, was perceived as a direct threat to their established religious order and national identity. The intense animosity had been building, as seen in previous attempts to silence or harm Paul (e.g., [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")). Their oath to neither eat nor drink until Paul was dead underscores the depth of their fanaticism and their conviction that eliminating Paul was a righteous act necessary to preserve their faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:13, detailing the formidable human plot against Paul's life, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the parallel and ultimate triumph of Jesus over similar, yet infinitely more significant, conspiracies. Just as "more than forty" men conspired against Paul, so too did the religious and political powers of Jesus' day conspire to bring about His death, as seen in the plotting of the chief priests and elders in [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "The Plot Against Jesus"). However, unlike Paul, whose life was preserved for further ministry, Jesus willingly laid down His life, not as a victim of human malice, but as the fulfillment of God's eternal plan for redemption ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "Jesus Lays Down His Life")). The failure of the conspiracy against Paul, leading to his transfer to Rome and the further spread of the gospel, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death through His resurrection ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Christ's Resurrection and Victory")). Paul's preservation, despite overwhelming odds, serves as a powerful testament to the sovereign hand of God, who ensured His Son's mission was completed, and continues to protect His church for the advancement of His kingdom, demonstrating that no human plot, however numerous or determined, can thwart the divine will of the Risen Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 16:2

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

2 Samuel 15:31

¶ And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.