The Plot to Kill Paul

12 When daybreak came, [fn]some of the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under a [fn]curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men had taken an oath to join this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the council must make an official request to the commander to bring him down to you [fn]tomorrow, as though you would be investigating the facts about his case in greater detail. And we will be ready to kill him before he draws near to this place.”

16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard about this ambush, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions over and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took the young man, brought him to the commander, and said, “The prisoner Paul called for me and asked me to bring this young man to yoʋ because he has something to tell yoʋ.” 19 So the commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, “What is it that yoʋ have to tell me?” 20 The young man said, “The Jews have agreed to ask yoʋ to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though [fn]the members of the Sanhedrin would be inquiring about his case in greater detail. 21 Do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are now ready, waiting for yoʋr consent.” 22 So the commander sent the young man away, ordering him, “Tell no one that yoʋ have reported this to me.”