Acts 9:23

23 And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill 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 those hearing were amazed, and said, `Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem those calling on this name, and hither to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'

22 And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

23 And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him,

24 and their counsel against [him] was known to Saul; they were also watching the gates both day and night, that they may kill him,

25 and the disciples having taken him, by night did let him down by the wall, letting down in a basket.