Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. New Living Translation Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. English Standard Version And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 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. Berean Literal Bible And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you that you might bring down Paul into the Council tomorrow as being about to inquire something more accurately about him. King James Bible 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 inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. New King James Version And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more carefully about him. Amplified Bible And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) tomorrow, as if they were going to interrogate him more thoroughly. Berean Annotated Bible He answered, “The Jews (people of praise) have agreed to ask you to bring Paul (humble) to the Sanhedrin (the Council) tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. Christian Standard Bible “The Jews,” he said, “have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they are going to hold a somewhat more careful inquiry about him. Holman Christian Standard Bible The Jews,” he said, “have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they are going to hold a somewhat more careful inquiry about him. American Standard Version And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul tomorrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him. Contemporary English Version He answered, "Some men are planning to ask you to bring Paul down to the Jewish council tomorrow. They will claim they want to find out more about him. English Revised Version And he said, The Jews have agreed to ask thee to bring down Paul tomorrow unto the council, as though thou wouldest inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him. GOD'S WORD® Translation The young man answered, "The Jews have planned to ask you to bring Paul to the Jewish council tomorrow. They're going to make it look as though they want more accurate information about him. Good News Translation He said, "The Jewish authorities have agreed to ask you tomorrow to take Paul down to the Council, pretending that the Council wants to get more accurate information about him. International Standard Version He answered, "The Jewish leaders have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Council tomorrow as though they were going to examine his case more carefully. NET Bible He replied, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as if they were going to inquire more thoroughly about him. New Heart English Bible And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they intended to inquire somewhat more thoroughly concerning him. Webster's Bible Translation And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring down Paul to-morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat concerning him more perfectly. Weymouth New Testament "The Jews," he replied, "have agreed to request you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin to-morrow for the purpose of making yourself more accurately acquainted with the case. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. World English Bible He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he said, “The Jews agreed to request you, that tomorrow you may bring down Paul to the Sanhedrin, as being about to inquire something more exactly concerning him; Berean Literal Bible And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you that you might bring down Paul into the Council tomorrow as being about to inquire something more accurately about him. Young's Literal Translation and he said -- 'The Jews agreed to request thee, that to-morrow to the sanhedrim thou mayest bring down Paul, as being about to enquire something more exactly concerning him; Smith's Literal Translation And he said, That the Jews agreed together to ask thee, so that to-morrow thou mightest bring down Paul to the council, as about to inquire something more accurately about him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: The Jews have agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring forth Paul to morrow into the council, as if they meant to inquire some thing more certain touching him. Catholic Public Domain Version Then he said: “The Jews have met to ask you to bring Paul tomorrow to the council, as if they intended to question him about something else. New American Bible He replied, “The Jews have conspired to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they meant to inquire about him more thoroughly, New Revised Standard Version He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more thoroughly into his case. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the young man said to him, The Jews have decided to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to their council, as though they were desirous to learn something more from him. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And the youth said to him, “The Judeans have planned to ask you to send Paulus down tomorrow to their Council as if they want to learn something more from him;” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHe answered: The Jews have agreed to request you to bring Paul down into the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as if they intended to inquire some thing more accurately concerning him. Godbey New Testament And he said, The Jews have entered into an agreement to ask you that to-morrow you may lead Paul to the sanhedrim, as about to make inquiry as to something more definite concerning him. Haweis New Testament And he said, The Jews have agreed together to entreat thee that to-morrow thou wouldest bring down Paul into the sanhedrim, as about to make some more accurate inquiry concerning him. Mace New Testament the Jews, said he, have agreed to desire you would send Paul down to-morrow to the council, under the pretext of examining him more strictly. Weymouth New Testament "The Jews," he replied, "have agreed to request you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin to-morrow for the purpose of making yourself more accurately acquainted with the case. Worrell New Testament And he said, "The Jews agreed to ask you, that tomorrow you would bring Paul down into the Sanhedrin, as if they would inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him. Worsley New Testament And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldest bring down Paul to-morrow to the council, as if they would inquire something more strictly concerning him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Plot to Kill Paul…19The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?” 20 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. 21Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.”… Cross References He answered, Matthew 4:4 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Luke 4:8 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” John 8:14 Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. “The Jews have agreed Acts 9:23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, John 11:53 So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. Matthew 26:4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin Acts 22:30 The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them. Acts 5:27 They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. Acts 6:12 So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, tomorrow 1 Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” Joshua 7:13 Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them. Exodus 8:10 “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh answered. “May it be as you say,” Moses replied, “so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. Luke 20:20 So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. Mark 12:13 Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. Acts 25:3 to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. Treasury of Scripture And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire you that you would bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. The Jews. Acts 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. as. 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 inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. Psalm 12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. Daniel 6:5-12 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… Jump to Previous Accurately Acquainted Agreed Agreement Closely Council Desire Detail Enquire Greater Inquire Intending Jews Making Mayest Morrow Paul Perfectly Pretext Purpose Questioned Request Sanhedrim Sanhedrin Something Somewhat Thoroughly Together Tomorrow To-Morrow Wanting WouldestJump to Next Accurately Acquainted Agreed Agreement Closely Council Desire Detail Enquire Greater Inquire Intending Jews Making Mayest Morrow Paul Perfectly Pretext Purpose Questioned Request Sanhedrim Sanhedrin Something Somewhat Thoroughly Together Tomorrow To-Morrow Wanting WouldestActs 23 1. As Paul pleads his cause,2. Ananias commands them to strike him. 7. Dissension among his accusers. 11. God encourages him. 14. The Jews' vow to kill Paul, 20. is declared unto the chief captain. 27. He sends him to Felix the governor. He answered This phrase introduces the response of Paul's nephew, who had overheard the plot against Paul. The presence of Paul's family in Jerusalem suggests that Paul had connections and support within the city, despite his Roman citizenship and missionary journeys. This moment highlights the importance of family and community in the early Christian church. The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key figure in the early Christian church, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, who became a devoted apostle of Jesus Christ after his conversion. 2. The Jews Referring to the Jewish leaders and members of the Sanhedrin who were plotting against Paul. 3. The Sanhedrin The supreme religious council in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, responsible for religious and legal matters. 4. The Plot A conspiracy by more than forty Jews who vowed not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 5. Paul's Nephew The young man who overheard the plot against Paul and informed him, leading to Paul's protection. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ProtectionDespite human plots, God's plans prevail. Paul's life was preserved because God had a purpose for him. Courage in the Face of Opposition Paul remained steadfast in his mission despite knowing the dangers, exemplifying courage and faithfulness. The Role of Divine Providence The seemingly small act of Paul's nephew overhearing the plot demonstrates how God uses ordinary means to accomplish His will. The Importance of Community Paul's reliance on others, like his nephew and the Roman commander, highlights the importance of community and support in the Christian life. Trust in God's Timing Paul’s situation teaches believers to trust in God's timing and provision, even when circumstances seem dire. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 23:20?2. How does Acts 23:20 demonstrate God's protection over Paul's mission? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Acts 23:20? 4. How does Acts 23:20 connect with Romans 8:28 regarding God's plans? 5. How should we respond when facing opposition, as seen in Acts 23:20? 6. What role does divine intervention play in fulfilling God's purpose, per Acts 23:20? 7. What does Acts 23:20 reveal about the nature of conspiracy and deceit in human behavior? 8. How does Acts 23:20 challenge our understanding of divine protection versus human schemes? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 23:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 23? 11. Acts 23 - Are the Roman legal procedures and the role of the commander, Claudius Lysias, accurately portrayed compared to known historical records? 12. Acts 23:12-15 - Is there concrete historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of this conspiracy of more than forty men to kill Paul? 13. Acts 23:6-7 - Did Paul use his Pharisee identity just to create division, and is there historical evidence supporting such a reaction from the council? 14. In Galatians 1:17-18, Paul says he did not go to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion, yet Acts 9 suggests otherwise; how do we reconcile this conflict? What Does Acts 23:20 Mean He answered• Luke records that Paul’s young nephew “went to the barracks and told Paul” of the plot (Acts 23:16), then was granted an audience with the Roman commander. • God providentially positions ordinary people for extraordinary moments, echoing Esther 4:14 and Proverbs 21:1—earthly power bends to God’s purpose. • The simple phrase “He answered” shows immediate obedience; compare Samuel’s “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Readiness to speak truth protects life (Proverbs 12:6). “The Jews have agreed • More than forty conspirators had “formed a plot and bound themselves with an oath” (Acts 23:12–15). • Psalm 2:1–4 reminds us that human councils rage, yet the Lord sits enthroned. • Jesus forewarned, “They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons” (Luke 21:12). Opposition verifies, rather than nullifies, God’s plan (John 15:18–20). to ask you to bring Paul • The conspirators manipulate legal channels, seeking Rome’s cooperation while hiding murderous intent—similar to the Sanhedrin’s tactics with Pilate in John 18:28–30. • Paul’s life had always been in God’s hands: at conversion the Lord said, “He is My chosen instrument to carry My name…before kings” (Acts 9:15). • Human schemes cannot override that calling (Isaiah 14:27). to the Sanhedrin tomorrow • “Tomorrow” underscores urgency; yet God had already spoken the night before: “Take courage…you must testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). • The Sanhedrin had clashed with Paul earlier that week (Acts 23:1–10). Re-summoning him would seem routine—perfect cover for the ambush. • Jesus predicted His followers would give testimony before “councils” (Matthew 10:17–18); each appearance, voluntary or coerced, advances the gospel. on the pretext of acquiring more information about him • The stated aim—“acquiring more information”—masks murderous intent. Psalm 5:9 describes such duplicity: “No truth is in their mouth; their heart is destruction.” • Proverbs 26:24–26 warns that enemies “speak graciously” while concealing violence. • God exposes this lie through the nephew, foiling the ambush and steering Paul toward Caesarea and, ultimately, Rome (Acts 23:23–35; 27:24). summary Acts 23:20 pulls back the curtain on a covert plot, revealing how God uses a vigilant nephew, a responsive commander, and even the conspirators’ timetable to safeguard Paul. Though foes conspire, the Lord orchestrates events so His servant will reach the next platform for witness. The verse affirms that human deception never outmaneuvers divine sovereignty, encouraging believers to trust God’s unfailing oversight in every threat and trial. Verse 20. - Ask thee to bring for desire thee that then wouldest bring, A.V; unto for into, A.V.; thou wouldest for they would, A.V. and T.R.; more exactly concerning him for of him more perfectly, A.V. Have agreed. Συντίθημι occurs four times in the New Testament, of which three are in St. Luke's writings (Luke 22:5; this passage; and Acts 24:9), and the fourth in John 9:22. As though thou wouldest. The R.T., which reads μέλλων for μέλλοντες, must surely be wrong. It is in contradiction to ver. 15, and makes no sense. The pretext of further inquiry was theirs, not Lysias's.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek He answered,Εἶπεν (Eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “The Οἱ (Hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. have agreed συνέθεντο (synethento) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 4934: Mid. and pass: To make a compact (agreement) with (together), covenant with, agree. to ask ἐρωτῆσαί (erōtēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to ὅπως (hopōs) Conjunction Strong's 3704: From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual). bring καταγάγῃς (katagagēs) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 2609: From kata and ago; to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel. Paul Παῦλον (Paulon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. to εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Sanhedrin συνέδριον (synedrion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4892: A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. tomorrow, αὔριον (aurion) Adverb Strong's 839: Tomorrow. From a derivative of the same as aer; properly, fresh, i.e. to-morrow. on the pretext ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. of acquiring πυνθάνεσθαι (pynthanesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 4441: To ask, inquire, ascertain by inquiry, understand. more information ἀκριβέστερον (akribesteron) Adverb Strong's 199: Carefully, exactly, strictly, distinctly. Adverb from the same as akribestatos; exactly. about περὶ (peri) Preposition Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. him. αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Links Acts 23:20 NIVActs 23:20 NLT Acts 23:20 ESV Acts 23:20 NASB Acts 23:20 KJV Acts 23:20 BibleApps.com Acts 23:20 Biblia Paralela Acts 23:20 Chinese Bible Acts 23:20 French Bible Acts 23:20 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 23:20 He said The Jews have agreed (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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