Bible Strands
Acts 23:20
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The unnamed young man speaks to the Roman commander after being drawn aside and questioned about his warning. He delivers the message during the night while the commander listens privately.
The words — The Greek συνέθεντο (sunethento) translates literally as “they have agreed” or “they bound themselves,” indicating a formal pact. The verb ἐρωτῆσαί (erōtēsai) means “to ask” or “to request,” highlighting the deceptive framing of their proposed inquiry.
The thread — This coordinated deception echoes the false accusations in Daniel 6:5 and the duplicity described in Psalms 12:2. The same group’s prior oath to abstain from food appears in Acts 23:14, confirming the seriousness of their plot.
Why it lands — The passage demands recognition of how religious authority can weaponize procedure to mask violence. It calls the reader to discern between stated motives and hidden actions in any claim to justice.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.
- Psalms 12:2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
- Daniel 6:5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
- Acts 23:1 Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”