Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.”
Malice that cannot gain its end by tumult or law will turn to the knife. Forty men bound themselves by oath to murder Paul, their hearts filled with hatred because he preached to Gentiles. Satan had stirred them in the night; by daylight they were ready to kill. But Christ appeared to Paul in darkness to shield him, and God was awake before His enemies rose.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 23:12-35
So the chief captain then let the young man depart,.... After he had had the account from him, and was master of the whole affair: and charged him, see thou tell no man that thou hast showed these things to me; which was prudently said; it was a right and wise thing to conceal this matter, that the men might go on with their designs...
Verse 21. Looking for a promise from thee. Waiting for you consent to bring him down to them. (e) "yield unto them"