And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

ACTS 9:23KJV
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Acts 9:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:23 mean?

Acts 9:23 describes how, after a period of time had passed, a group of Jewish people began to plot together to kill Saul (later known as Paul). This verse marks a turning point where Saul, having recently converted to following Jesus, now faces serious opposition from his former peers.

In the context of Acts 9, Saul has just experienced a dramatic conversion and begun preaching about Jesus in Damascus. The "many days" refers to an interval after his conversion, during which Saul's bold teaching stirs up anger among the local Jewish community. The verse highlights the real danger Saul faces as a result of his new faith and mission.

The Greek behind Acts 9:23

  • συμβούλιον (symboulion, "counsel" - G4823): This word means a deliberate plan or consultation, often with the sense of plotting together. Here, it emphasizes that the decision to kill Saul was not impulsive but the result of careful discussion and agreement among the group.
  • ἀνέπλησθησαν (aneplēsthēsan, "fulfilled" - G4137): This word carries the idea of something being completed or filled up. In this context, it shows that a significant amount of time had passed, not just a few days, before the plot was formed.
  • ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai, "to kill" - G337): This is a strong word for putting someone to death, making it clear that the intention was not just to silence Saul but to end his life.

Why Acts 9:23 matters

  • Acts 9:23 helps clarify that Saul’s transformation was not only dramatic but also immediately costly, as he quickly became a target for violence from his former allies.
  • The verse draws attention to the seriousness of the opposition early Christians faced, even from within their own communities.
  • This moment sets up the following events, where Saul must escape Damascus, showing how his life and mission are now marked by both danger and dependence on other believers.

Where else these words appear

“counsel” Greek G4823 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
  • John 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
  • John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

“kill” Greek G337 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Acts 7:28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
  • Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

“many” Greek G2425 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
  • Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.