Acts 23:20

KJV

And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036},{G3754} The Jews {G2453} have agreed {G4934} to desire {G2065} thee {G4571} that {G3704} thou wouldest bring down {G2609} Paul {G3972} to morrow {G839} into {G1519} the council {G4892}, as {G5613} though they would {G3195} enquire {G4441} somewhat {G5100} of {G4012} him {G846} more perfectly {G197}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, “The Judeans have agreed to ask you tomorrow to bring Sha’ul down to the Sanhedrin on the pretext that they want to investigate his case more thoroughly.

Berean Standard Bible

He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him.

American Standard Version

And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul to-morrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:20 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's life, as his nephew courageously reveals a treacherous plot by Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to assassinate Paul under the guise of a more thorough legal inquiry. This verse highlights the deep-seated animosity Paul faced, the cunning deception of his adversaries, and the providential intervention that thwarted their murderous intentions, ensuring Paul's continued journey towards his ultimate mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after a tumultuous session of the Sanhedrin, where Paul's declaration of his Pharisaic belief in the resurrection caused a sharp division between the Pharisees and Sadducees, leading to such chaos that the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, had to extract Paul by force to prevent him from being torn apart ([Acts 23:6-10](/acts/23-6-10 "Acts 23:6-10 - Paul before the Sanhedrin")). Following this, the Lord appeared to Paul, assuring him that he must bear witness in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). Unbeknownst to Lysias or Paul, a group of more than forty zealous Jews had formed a deadly conspiracy, binding themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul ([Acts 23:12-15](/acts/23-12-15 "Acts 23:12-15 - The Conspiracy Against Paul")). It is Paul's nephew, having overheard this plot, who approaches Paul in the barracks, and then is brought by Paul to Lysias, to relay the warning captured in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem in the mid-first century AD was a cauldron of religious and political tension. The Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial and administrative council, held significant authority, though ultimately subject to Roman oversight. The animosity towards Paul stemmed from his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, which many Jewish leaders viewed as blasphemous and a threat to their traditions and authority. The practice of taking solemn oaths, even to commit violence, was not unheard of among certain zealous factions, particularly those who believed they were acting in defense of God's law. The Roman presence, personified by Claudius Lysias, was primarily concerned with maintaining peace and order, often intervening in Jewish internal disputes when they threatened public unrest. The idea of "bringing down" Paul to the council implies a physical escort from the Roman barracks (Antonia Fortress) to the Sanhedrin's meeting place, likely near the Temple.
* **Key Themes:** A prominent theme is **Divine Providence and Protection**, illustrating God's active hand in safeguarding His chosen instruments despite intense human opposition. The timely intervention of Paul's nephew, an unexpected agent, underscores how God works through various means to fulfill His purposes, aligning with the Lord's prior assurance to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"). Another key theme is the **Malice and Deception** employed by those opposed to the Gospel. The conspirators' request to "enquire somewhat of him more perfectly" is a cunning lie, cloaking their murderous intent under the guise of legitimate legal procedure, highlighting the spiritual warfare inherent in the spread of the early church. Finally, the verse exemplifies the **Relentless Persecution** faced by Paul throughout his ministry, a recurring motif in the book of Acts, demonstrating the cost of faithfully proclaiming Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **agreed (Greek, _syntíthemai'_):** This word (G4934) means "to place jointly," and figuratively, "to consent, bargain, stipulate, concur." It emphasizes the deliberate and unified nature of the conspirators' decision. They had come to a formal, binding agreement, underscoring the premeditated and organized character of their plot against Paul.
* **bring down (Greek, _katágō'_):** This term (G2609) means "to lead down," specifically in the context of bringing someone from a higher place to a lower one, or bringing a vessel to land. Here, it refers to physically escorting Paul from the Roman barracks (likely on higher ground) to the Sanhedrin's meeting place. The conspirators' request for Paul to be "brought down" was a crucial part of their plan to ambush him en route.
* **more perfectly (Greek, _akribésteron'_):** This adverb (G197), derived from a word meaning "exact," signifies "more accurately" or "more precisely." The conspirators' stated desire to "enquire somewhat of him more perfectly" was a deceptive facade. They were not genuinely seeking further clarity or a deeper understanding of Paul's teachings; rather, they used this pretense to create an opportunity for their ambush, highlighting their cunning and malicious intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee":** Paul's nephew, speaking to Claudius Lysias, reveals the core of the plot. The phrase "the Jews" refers specifically to the more than forty conspirators who had sworn an oath. Their "agreement" (syntíthemai) highlights their unified and premeditated intent to act against Paul, not as a spontaneous outburst but as a calculated plan. Their "desire" is a deceptive request, masking their true murderous objective.
* **"that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council":** This specifies the method and timing of the plot. The conspirators requested that Lysias escort Paul from the barracks to the Sanhedrin ("the council," synédrion) on the following day. This movement was essential for their ambush, as it would take Paul out of the secure Roman fortress and expose him to their attack along the way.
* **"as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly":** This clause exposes the deceptive nature of the conspirators' request. The phrase "as though" (hōs) indicates a pretense. Their stated reason—to "enquire somewhat of him more perfectly" (akribésteron pynthánomai)—was a lie. They had no intention of a genuine inquiry; their sole aim was to lure Paul into an ambush. This reveals their cunning and moral bankruptcy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Deception** and **Irony**. The conspirators' request to bring Paul before the council "as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly" is a blatant act of **Deception**, cloaking their murderous intent under the guise of legitimate legal inquiry. This creates a stark **Irony**, as their stated desire for "more perfect" information is precisely the opposite of their true aim, which is to silence Paul permanently. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing** by revealing the depth of the opposition Paul faces, hinting at the continued challenges and divine interventions that will mark his journey to Rome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:20 powerfully illustrates the spiritual battle inherent in the advance of God's kingdom. The intense hatred and deceptive tactics employed by Paul's adversaries underscore the reality that the Gospel often provokes fierce opposition from those entrenched in systems or beliefs contrary to Christ. Yet, even in the face of such grave danger, God's sovereign hand is evident. The uncovering of the plot through Paul's nephew, an otherwise obscure figure, demonstrates God's providential care for His servants, often working through unexpected means to protect them and ensure the fulfillment of His purposes. This incident reinforces the truth that no human conspiracy, however meticulously planned, can ultimately thwart the divine will.

* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalms/37-32-33 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Plot Against the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [2 Timothy 4:17-18](/2_timothy/4-17-18 "2 Timothy 4:17-18 - The Lord Stood with Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a profound reminder that faithfulness to Christ often invites opposition, sometimes from unexpected quarters and through deceptive means. It challenges believers to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that evil may masquerade as something legitimate or even pious. Just as Paul's nephew acted with courage to expose the plot, we are called to be vigilant and to speak truth, even when it is difficult or dangerous. More importantly, the verse instills confidence in God's unfailing providence. Even when surrounded by enemies and facing seemingly insurmountable odds, we can rest in the assurance that God is actively working to protect His people and advance His kingdom. Our security is not in the absence of threats, but in the presence of a sovereign God who orchestrates events, even through human agents, to accomplish His divine will. This should inspire us to press on in our faith and mission, trusting that God will provide the necessary protection and open the right doors for His Gospel to flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account of Paul's protection encourage your faith when you face opposition or feel vulnerable?**
* **In what ways might deception operate in the world today, even within religious or seemingly legitimate contexts, and how can we cultivate discernment?**
* **What role do seemingly ordinary people, like Paul's nephew, play in God's grand plan, and how does this challenge your view of your own significance?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish leaders so determined to kill Paul?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders, particularly those from the Sadducee and Pharisee factions who opposed Paul, saw him as a dangerous apostate who was undermining their traditions, the Mosaic Law, and the Temple. Paul's message that Jesus was the Messiah, crucified and resurrected, and that salvation came through faith in Him, not through adherence to the Law, was considered blasphemous and a direct threat to their authority and religious system. They believed he was teaching against the people, the Law, and this place ([Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "Acts 21:28 - Paul Accused in the Temple")), leading to intense hatred and a desire to eliminate him.

**How did Paul's nephew know about the plot, and why is his role significant?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state how Paul's nephew (whose name is not given) overheard the plot, but it's likely he was moving freely within the city or even near the Sanhedrin's meeting place, perhaps having connections that allowed him to gain this intelligence. His role is highly significant because he is the unexpected, providential agent through whom God thwarts the conspiracy. Without his courageous intervention and willingness to report the plot to Paul and then to the Roman commander Lysias, Paul's life would almost certainly have been taken. This highlights God's use of ordinary individuals in extraordinary ways to fulfill His divine purposes, as seen in [Acts 23:16-22](/acts/23-16-22 "Acts 23:16-22 - Paul's Nephew Warns Lysias").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:20, while detailing a plot against Paul, ultimately points to the greater narrative of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ. The relentless opposition Paul faced, culminating in this assassination attempt, mirrors the hatred and conspiracy that Jesus Himself endured, leading to His crucifixion ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). Just as God protected Paul to ensure he would bear witness in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")), so too did God preserve His Son, not from death, but through it, raising Him from the dead to accomplish the ultimate victory over sin and death ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Resurrection and Intercession")). The deceptive nature of the plotters, feigning a desire for truth while harboring murderous intent, reflects the spiritual darkness that seeks to suppress the light of Christ. However, the triumph of Christ, who disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), ensures that no human conspiracy or evil scheme can ultimately thwart God's eternal purposes for His church and the spread of His Gospel to the ends of the earth ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ's Promise to Build His Church")). Paul's deliverance here is a testament to the sovereign power of the resurrected Christ, who continues to protect His witnesses and advance His kingdom until His glorious return.

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

Acts 23:14

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Acts 23:15

Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

Daniel 6:5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God.

Daniel 6:12

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

Acts 23:1

¶ And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men [and] brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.