Acts 9:23

KJV

¶ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} after {G5613} that many {G2425} days {G2250} were fulfilled {G4137}, the Jews {G2453} took counsel {G4823} to kill {G337} him {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Quite some time later, the non-believing Jews gathered together and made plans to kill him;

Berean Standard Bible

After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him,

American Standard Version

And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:23 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Saul's (Paul's) early ministry, revealing the immediate and intense opposition he faced after his radical conversion. Following a period of fervent preaching in Damascus, where he boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God, his former Jewish compatriots, astonished and enraged by his defection and powerful message, conspired to assassinate him, setting the stage for his miraculous escape and subsequent journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:23 is situated immediately after the dramatic account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and his subsequent healing by Ananias (Acts 9:1-19). The narrative highlights Saul's immediate and astonishing transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians into an equally zealous preacher of Christ. Verses 20-22 describe Saul's initial preaching in the synagogues, where he "confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." This verse, therefore, represents the direct, escalating consequence of Saul's effective and provocative evangelism. His sudden allegiance to "the Way" (Christianity) and his powerful arguments for Jesus' Messiahship stirred not only astonishment but also profound hostility among those who had previously known him as their champion against the nascent Christian movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Damascus was a significant city, a major center for trade and Jewish life outside of Jerusalem. The Jewish community there, like those throughout the diaspora, maintained strong ties to the religious authorities in Jerusalem, including the Sanhedrin. Saul had originally come to Damascus with letters from the high priest to arrest Christians (Acts 9:1-2), indicating the Sanhedrin's perceived jurisdiction and influence. For the Jews in Damascus, Saul's conversion was not merely a personal change but a profound betrayal and a direct challenge to their religious identity and authority. His preaching of a crucified Messiah was considered blasphemous, and his abandonment of the Mosaic Law for faith in Christ was seen as an existential threat to their traditions. Conspiracies to kill those deemed heretical or dangerous were not uncommon in this period, reflecting the deep-seated religious and political tensions between various Jewish factions and the emerging Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Radical Transformation and Its Consequences**. Saul, once a persecutor, now faces the very persecution he inflicted upon others, underscoring the profound and life-altering nature of his encounter with Christ. Secondly, it highlights the **Inevitable Opposition to the Gospel**. The plot against Saul demonstrates that proclaiming the truth of Christ often provokes intense hostility from those who reject its claims, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament (e.g., [John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World's Hatred of Believers")). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**. Despite the serious threat, God's plan for Saul's life and ministry would not be thwarted, foreshadowing His continuous safeguarding of His chosen instruments, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled, even through trials, as seen in Saul's eventual escape from Damascus, which is detailed in [Acts 9:24-25](/acts/9-24-25 "Acts 9:24-25 - Saul's Escape from Damascus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This word (G4137) means "to make replete," "to cram," "to fill up," "to accomplish," or "to finish (a period or task)." In this context, "many days were fulfilled" indicates that a significant, though unspecified, period of time had elapsed. It suggests a completion of a certain duration, implying that Saul's preaching and the Jews' growing animosity had reached a critical point, culminating in their decision to act. This is not a casual passage of time but a divinely appointed or narratively significant completion.
* **took counsel (Greek, _symbouleúō'_):** This term (G4823) means "to give (or take) advice jointly," "to recommend," "to deliberate," or "to determine." The use of this verb emphasizes that the Jews' decision was not a spontaneous outburst of anger but a deliberate, organized, and premeditated conspiracy. It implies a formal or informal meeting where a plan was discussed, agreed upon, and set into motion, highlighting the seriousness and depth of their opposition to Saul and his message.
* **kill (Greek, _anairéō'_):** This word (G337) means "to take up," but by implication, "to take away violently," "to abolish," or "to murder." Its use here underscores the extreme nature of the Jews' intent. They sought not merely to silence Saul or expel him from the city, but to end his life, demonstrating the profound threat they perceived him to be to their religious and social order. This premeditated intent to murder reveals the depth of their hatred and rejection of the gospel message Saul was proclaiming.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after that many days were fulfilled":** This phrase indicates a significant passage of time following Saul's conversion and initial preaching in Damascus. While the exact duration is not specified in Acts, it is traditionally understood to encompass a period of intense theological reflection and preparation, possibly including Saul's sojourn in Arabia mentioned in [Galatians 1:17-18](/galatians/1-17-18 "Galatians 1:17-18 - Paul's Time in Arabia"). During this time, Saul's understanding of the gospel deepened, and his preaching became even more potent, leading to the heightened opposition described.
* **"the Jews took counsel to kill him":** This clause reveals the extreme and violent nature of the opposition Saul faced. "The Jews" here refers to those in the Damascus synagogues who rejected Jesus as the Messiah and viewed Saul's conversion and proclamation as a grave apostasy and blasphemy. Their "taking counsel" signifies a deliberate, organized plot, a conspiracy to assassinate Saul. This was not a spontaneous act of anger but a calculated decision, underscoring the perceived threat Saul posed to their religious authority and traditions.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 9:23 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as this verse sets the stage for the recurring theme of intense persecution that will characterize Paul's entire apostolic ministry. It signals that his life will be marked by constant threats, plots, and suffering for the sake of the gospel, a reality vividly documented throughout the book of Acts and in his epistles. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; the very man who sought to "make havock of the church" ([Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Acts 8:3 - Saul's Persecution of the Church")) and bring Christians to Jerusalem for punishment now finds himself the target of similar, if not identical, violent intentions from his former allies. This reversal of roles underscores the transformative power of Christ. Finally, the verse builds **Dramatic Tension**, creating suspense as the reader anticipates how Saul will escape this deadly plot, thereby highlighting God's protective hand over His chosen servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:23 serves as a powerful testament to the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when the truth of the Gospel challenges established religious and cultural norms. Saul's experience demonstrates that genuine conversion and bold proclamation of Christ will inevitably invite opposition, often from unexpected or previously allied sources. This opposition is not merely personal animosity but a spiritual struggle against the advance of God's redemptive plan. Yet, the verse also subtly affirms divine sovereignty, indicating that even the most malicious human plots cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes for His servants or the spread of His message. It reminds believers that faithfulness to Christ often comes with a cost, but God's protective hand is always at work.

* [John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World Will Hate You")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that faithfully following Christ and proclaiming His truth can lead to significant opposition, even from those we might expect to be allies or from within our own communities. Saul's experience teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity; just as he continued to preach despite the death threats, we are called to stand firm in our faith and mission, even when facing hostility or misunderstanding. This verse underscores that Christian discipleship is not always easy or comfortable; it may involve sacrifice, misunderstanding, and even danger, echoing Christ's own warnings to His followers about taking up their cross. Ultimately, it calls us to trust in God's unwavering purpose and protection, knowing that even when plots are laid against His servants, He remains sovereign, and His plans for their lives and for the spread of His Gospel will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or witness have you experienced opposition for your faith, and how did you respond?**
* **How does Saul's immediate and radical shift to preaching, despite the danger, challenge your own willingness to share your faith?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare and the reality of opposition to the Gospel today?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of perseverance and trust in God's protection when facing adversity for Christ's sake?**

### FAQ

**How long were "many days" in Acts 9:23?**

Answer: The exact duration of "many days" is not specified in the book of Acts. However, a common interpretation, supported by Paul's own testimony in [Galatians 1:17-18](/galatians/1-17-18 "Galatians 1:17-18 - Paul's Post-Conversion Journey"), suggests that this period includes three years that Saul spent in Arabia before returning to Damascus. During this time, he likely received further revelation and preparation from the Lord, deepening his understanding of the gospel and strengthening his resolve before resuming his public ministry in Damascus. This extended period allowed his message to gain significant traction, intensifying the opposition.

**Why did "the Jews" want to kill Saul?**

Answer: The Jews in Damascus, particularly the religious leaders and those zealous for the Mosaic Law, saw Saul's conversion and his subsequent preaching of Jesus as the Messiah as a profound betrayal and a dangerous heresy. Saul, formerly a persecutor of Christians, was now advocating for the very faith he once sought to destroy. His arguments, based on the Scriptures and empowered by the Holy Spirit, were so convincing that they confounded his opponents ([Acts 9:22](/acts/9-22 "Acts 9:22 - Saul Confounding the Jews")). This not only threatened their religious authority and traditions but also challenged their understanding of God's covenant and the identity of the Messiah. For them, Saul's message was blasphemous and a direct assault on their way of life, leading them to seek his death.

**How did Saul escape this plot?**

Answer: The narrative immediately following Acts 9:23 details Saul's dramatic escape. [Acts 9:24-25](/acts/9-24-25 "Acts 9:24-25 - Saul's Escape from Damascus") states that the Jews "watched the gates day and night to kill him." However, Saul's disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the city wall in a basket. This miraculous escape highlights God's protective hand over His chosen servant, ensuring that His purposes for Saul's life and ministry would not be thwarted by human malice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:23, while detailing a moment of intense human opposition against Saul, profoundly points to Christ in its broader theological implications. Saul's suffering and the divine protection he experienced foreshadow the pattern of the apostolic ministry, which is always an extension of Christ's own suffering and triumph. Just as Jesus faced relentless opposition and plots against His life, ultimately culminating in His crucifixion, so too would His chosen instrument, Paul, endure similar trials. However, like Christ's resurrection, which demonstrated God's ultimate victory over death and human evil, Paul's escape from the Damascus plot reveals God's sovereign power to preserve His servants for His purposes. Paul's subsequent ministry, marked by both suffering and miraculous deliverance, becomes a living testament to the power of the crucified and risen Christ. His willingness to suffer for the name of Jesus ([Acts 9:16](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - Paul's Future Suffering")) and God's faithfulness in delivering him, echoes Christ's own journey of suffering leading to glory, providing a powerful example for all who are called to bear witness to the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Galatians 1:17

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Galatians 1:18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 14:19

¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 9:16

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.