Acts 9:23

23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted to do away with him.

Acts 9:23 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 9:23

And after that many days were fulfilled
This phrase is used by the Septuagint on ( Exodus 2:11 Exodus 2:23 ) ( 4:18 ) for a considerable length of time, for many years. The Jewish writers observe ^F20, that the phrase, "many days", signify at least three days; for by "days", in the plural number, two must be designed, and many signifies a third, or that one at least is added to them; but here it signifies three years, as it also does, ( 1 Kings 18:1 ) where it is said, "and it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year"; and such a space of time is designed by the many days here; for when the apostle had stayed a little while at Damascus, and preached Christ in the synagogues, he went into Arabia, where he continued about three years, and then returned to Damascus, where what is related happened to him; ( Galatians 1:17 Galatians 1:18 ) ( 2 Corinthians 11:32 2 Corinthians 11:33 ) .

the Jews took counsel to kill him;
being filled with indignation at him, that he had changed his religion, and from a persecutor was become a preacher of the Gospel; this they had meditated some time, and now upon his return to Damascus attempted to put their counsel into execution.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 Maimon. & Bartenora in Misn. Zavim, c. 1. sect. 1.

Acts 9:23 In-Context

21 And all who heard [him] were amazed, and were saying, "Is this not the one who was wreaking havoc in Jerusalem [on] those who call upon this name, and had come here for this [reason], that he could bring them tied up to the chief priests?"

22 But Saul was increasing in strength even more, and was confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus [by] proving that this one is the Christ.

23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted to do away with him.

24 But their plot became known to Saul, and they were also watching the gates both day and night so that they could do away with him.

25 But his disciples took [him] at night [and] let him down through the wall [by] lowering [him] in a basket.