Acts 23:12-35

12When it was day, 1the Jews formed a 2conspiracy and 3bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have 4bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15Now therefore, you 5and 6the 7Council notify the 8commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”

16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, 9and he came and entered 10the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the 11commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and led him to the 12commander and said, “Paul 13the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19The 14commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “15The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to 16the 17Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21So do not 18listen to them, for more than forty of them are 19lying in wait for him who have 20bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22So the 21commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.” 23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by 22the third hour of the night to proceed to 23Caesarea, 24with seventy horsemen and two hundred 25spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to 26Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter having this form:

26“Claudius Lysias, to the 27most excellent governor Felix, 28greetings.

27When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, 29I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, 30having learned that he was a Roman. 28And 31wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I 32brought him down to their 3334Council; 29and I found him to be accused over 35questions about their Law, but 36under 37no accusation deserving death or 38imprisonment.

30When I was 39informed that there would be 40a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing 41his accusers to 42bring charges against him before you.”

31So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But the next day, leaving 43the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to 44the barracks. 33When these had come to 45Caesarea and delivered the letter to 46the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34When he had read it, he asked from what 47province he was, and when he learned that 48he was from Cilicia, 35he said, “I will give you a hearing after your 49accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be 50kept in Herod’s 51Praetorium.