A Bad Oath Taken

Acts 23:12-22

New International Version

The Plot to Kill Paul

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken 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 before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, 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 he took him to the commander.

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

An oath was sworn among a group of individuals. A warning was taken from a child about this oath. God calls us to love Him and worship Him only. The second command is love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Looking at this oath through the lens of love is a sharp contrast. I do not want to kill myself so I should not seek to kill another individual.

It is not Paul’s time to die. The young child coming to report what he heard is proof. Paul must go to Rome to take the Gospel to the Gentiles.

What about you? Are your plans regarding others something you want for yourself? Are they good? Are they showing the love of God through you? Prayer is a conversation with God. Prayer for good things you can do for others.