The Plot to Kill Paul

(John 16:1–4)

When daylight came some of[fn] the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat [or] drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty [of them] were involved in this plot. 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. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you tomorrow[fn] on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way

16 

But [when] the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot,[fn] he went into the barracks [and] told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions [and] said,“Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”

18 

So [the centurion] took him to the commander and said,“Paul the prisoner sent [and] asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

19 

The commander took [the young man] by the hand, drew [him] vvv aside, and asked,“What vvv vvv 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. 21 {Do} 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 vvv your consent.”

22 

So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed [him],“Do not tell [anyone] that you have reported this to me.”

23