Conspiracy

Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen how Paul has faced attacks and accusations. Today, he will face assassination.

Acts 23
12 The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. 14 They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.” 16 But Paul’s nephew - his sister’s son - heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. 17 Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.” 18 So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 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. 21 But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.” 22 “Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.


Conspiracy. It is interesting to me how times have changed in this town (Jerusalem). Years ago, Paul probably would have been the ringleader of this conspiracy (check out Acts 8:1-3 and Acts 9:1-2). Today, he is the focus. A group of guys (not one or two ... 40+) decided that the best way to honor their faith in God was to dishonor the teachings of God. I know ... it goes to show you how irrational we can become in our rationalizations; but that is the heart of a conspiracy ... rationalizing irrational behavior. If you are struggling to find a solution to a difficult situation, here is one way you can trim your list of options ... eliminate all the “solutions” that would dishonor God. I know that sounds simplistic; but when hurt turns to anger and sorrow turns to bitterness ... vengeance is just around the corner ... and we need to be ready to counter thoughts of conspiracy with teachings of Jesus (check out Luke 6:27-36).