Acts 23:14-21

¹⁴and they went to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to touch food until we have killed Paul.

¹⁵So we want you now, with the consent of the Council, to suggest to the commanding officer that he should bring Paul down before you, as though you intended to go more fully into his case; but, before he comes here, we will be ready to make away with him.”

¹⁶However, the son of Paul's sister, hearing of the plot, went to the Fort, and on being admitted, told Paul about it.

¹⁷Paul called one of the Captains of the garrison and asked him to take the lad to the commanding officer, as he had something to tell him.

¹⁸The captain went with the lad to the commanding officer, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this lad to you, as he has something to tell you.”

¹⁹The commanding officer took the lad by the hand, and, stepping aside, asked what it was he had to tell him.

²⁰“Some men have agreed,” answered the lad, “to ask you to bring Paul down before the Council tomorrow, on the plea of your making further inquiry into his case.

²¹But do not let them persuade you, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, who have taken an oath that they will not eat or drink, until they have made away with him; and they are at this very moment in readiness, counting on your promise.”