Gospel Outreach International

This Bible study explores Acts 23:12-35, examining how God protected Paul from a deadly assassination plot. Through this passage, we discover insights into Roman justice, Jewish opposition to early Christianity, and God’s faithfulness in preserving His messengers. As we examine this section of scripture, we confront an important question: How does God work through unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes, even when powerful forces conspire against His servants?

When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Acts 23:12

• Over 40 Jewish men formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under oath to kill Paul
• The Jewish leadership (Sanhedrin) approved and supported the assassination plot
• Paul’s nephew (his sister’s son) overheard the plot and warned Paul
• This is possibly the only reference to Paul’s family in Scripture
• The Roman commander took the young man’s warning seriously and acted immediately
• 470 Roman soldiers were dispatched to protect Paul (200 regular soldiers, 70 cavalry, 200 light troops)
• The Romans marched Paul 27-28 miles to Antipatris by night for his safety
• Paul was sent to Governor Felix with a letter explaining the situation
• As a Roman citizen, Paul received privileges including proper housing and the right to visitors
• The commander’s letter to Felix contained some “whitewashing” of his earlier actions toward Paul

Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” Acts 23:17

As this Bible study reveals, God’s hand of protection was evident throughout Paul’s ordeal. What stands out is how God orchestrated these events to fulfill His promise that Paul would testify in Rome. The study reminds us that though the world may hate Christians as it hated Jesus, our heavenly citizenship provides privileges far greater than any earthly protection. Just as God used an unexpected family connection to save Paul, He continues to work through surprising means to accomplish His purposes today, ensuring that nothing—not even the most passionate opposition—can thwart His divine plans for His followers.

Bible References

• Acts 23:12-25
• Acts 23:12-35
• Galatians 1:6-9
• Matthew 23:37
• Matthew 7:15
• John 15
• John 17
• 1 John 3:13
• Matthew 24