The high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by [Paul] to strike him on the mouth … some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “… we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” Acts 23:2, 12–13, 15 NKJV
The Roman commander brought Paul before the Jewish council the day after the riot (Acts 22:23–25), hoping to find out why they were accusing him. Paul had hardly begun to address the council when the high priest ordered him slapped on the mouth. Paul retorted angrily, unlike the Lord when He was treated unjustly at His trial. Claiming he was a Pharisee being tried because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead, Paul soon set the Pharisees and Sadducees against each other. Again he had to be rescued.
The Lord stood by Paul the next night, encouraging His servant for testifying for Him a day earlier, and telling him he would also bear witness for Him at Rome. How kind not to allude to his failure before the council! What grace He so often has shown us when we have failed! He loves to restore our souls and lead us on.
More than forty Jews took an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul, and sought the cooperation of the chief priests and elders for their plan. The plot was foiled when Paul’s young nephew heard of it and reported it to Paul and then to the Roman commander. He in turn ordered a large detachment of soldiers to leave that night, to take Paul to Caesarea to the governor. With them he sent a letter of explanation, twisting the facts in his favor. God has kept the text of his letter in His holy Word!
In spite of man’s plans, plots, failures, and lies, God has all under His control. He still makes all things work together to fulfill His purposes of good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).