Acts 23:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:20 mean?

Acts 23:20 describes how Paul’s nephew is warning the Roman commander that a group of Jews have made a plan. They want the commander to bring Paul before the council the next day, pretending they need more information, but their real intention is to ambush Paul.

In this scene, Paul’s nephew is speaking privately to the Roman commander (also called the chief captain). The nephew reveals that the Jewish leaders have secretly agreed to ask for Paul to be brought down to the council (the Sanhedrin), acting as if they want to question him more thoroughly. The verse highlights the deceptive plan and the urgency of the warning, setting up the events that follow as the commander decides how to protect Paul.

The Greek behind Acts 23:20

• συντίθενται (synetithēsan, G4934, “agreed”): This word means to make a joint plan or conspiracy. It shows that the plot against Paul was organized and deliberate, not just a casual idea.
• ἐρωτῶσιν (erōtōsin, G2065, “desire”): This word often means to ask or request, but here it carries the sense of a formal request to the commander, adding weight to the seriousness of the plot.
• ἀκριβέστερον (akribesteron, G197, “more perfectly”): This word means “more accurately” or “more precisely.” The council pretends they want to clarify details about Paul, but it’s just a cover for their real plan.

Why Acts 23:20 matters

• Acts 23:20 clears up that the council’s request for Paul is not genuine—they are using the pretense of further inquiry to set up an ambush.
• The verse highlights the danger Paul faced and the crucial role his nephew played in exposing the plot, which is a turning point in the narrative.
• Understanding this verse helps explain why the Roman commander acts quickly to protect Paul, showing the seriousness of the threat and the political tension in Jerusalem at the time.