12 When day came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath, saying that they would not eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who took part in this plot. (Ac 23:12–13)
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath not to taste anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin file charges with the commander so that he will bring him down to you as if you were going to make a more thorough examination of his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets close to this place.” (Ac 23:14–15)
The _________ is revealed.
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush, he went into the barracks and told Paul. (Ac 23:16)
Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him.” (Ac 23:17)
18 So he brought him to the commander and said, “The prisoner Paul called for me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” (Ac 23:18–19)
20 He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as if they want to gain more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t let them persuade you, because more than forty of their men are waiting in ambush for him. They have bound themselves under a solemn oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready right now, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the commander dismissed the young man with this order: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported these things to me.” (Ac 23:20–22)
Paul’s quick _____________.
23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready, along with seventy cavalry and two hundred spearmen, to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. 24 Also provide mounts so that they can put Paul on one and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” (Ac 23:23–24)
25 He wrote a letter as follows: 26 Claudius Lysias, To his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, because I learned that he is a Roman citizen. 28 Since I wanted to know the charge they were bringing against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found he was being accused concerning questions of their law, but there was no charge that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed that there would be a plot against this man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to state what they have against him before you. Farewell. (Ac 23:25–30)
31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him to Antipatris during the night. 32 The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. (Ac 23:31–32)
33 When the cavalry came to Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor, and they handed Paul over to him. 34 After the governor had read the letter, he asked what province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul should be kept under guard in Herod’s palace. (Ac 23:33–35)
Felix’s question about Paul’s native province was aimed at determining whether he had legal jurisdiction over Paul in his role as Judean procurator. During the reign of Claudius, both Judea and Cilicia were under the single provincial administration of the imperial legate of Syria. As an official within that administrative unit, Felix determined that it was within his own competency to give Paul a formal hearing. (Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 477). Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
The following night the Lord stood next to Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have solemnly testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Ac 23:11)
8 Certainly my plans are not your plans, and your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my plans are higher than your plans. (Is 55:8–9)
And so it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to all the rest, that I am in chains because of Christ. (Php 1:13)
All the saints greet you, especially those who are from Caesar’s household. (Php 4:22)
EHV Study Bible; Caesar’s household refers to some believers who were close to the emperor, this likely included government officials, servants in the emperor’s court, and members of the palace guard, perhaps even members of the emperor’s family.
Points to Ponder
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
Have you ever been surprised by God’s plan for your life? What was your biggest surprise? How did you handle it?
When God’s way to accomplish something seems MUCH more difficult than your way, how do you react? What do you do to help you follow God and his way of doing things?
