Acts 23:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

And when it was day, [certain of] the Jews - "the Jews" is manifestly the true reading. It was the great body of his enemies who combined, though only a formidable band of them volunteered to act.

Banded together, and bound themselves under a curse - literally, 'anathematized themselves,' or solemnly wished themselves accursed (or damned), if they did not do what they proposed. (See 1 Samuel 14:24; 2 Samuel 3:35.) This was what poor Peter did when he denied his Lord (see the note at Mark 14:71, p. 207).

Saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:12

12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse,a saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.