Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. Acts 23:13

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The Greek more literally reads, “And they were more than forty having made this joint oath” (CG).

The previous verse noted the Jews who had banded together under an oath, saying they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Next, Luke records, “And they were more than forty having made this joint oath.”

It seems like overkill, but there are a couple of reasons why it is not at all unreasonable. First, anytime people gather to do evil (or supposed good, but with harmful intentions), others will naturally want to join in. In this case, they were doing evil by desiring to commit murder, but they were doing it to supposedly be pleasing to their God.

As such, people will want to participate simply because of wanting to be part of the heroic movement that is taking place. Also, because the plotters would have to contend with the Romans, they could plot better plot diversions or surprise attacks. With forty men banded together in such a vow, they felt that they had an excellent chance of prevailing, especially in the surprise manner that they would certainly conduct the task.

The word translated as “joint oath,” sunómosia, is found only here in the New Testament. It comes from two words signifying “together” and “swear.” Thus, it means “a swearing together,” and thus, a joint oath. They had mutually vowed to participate and to see the matter through.

Life application: In the Proverbs, it says,

“My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
11 If they say, ‘Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;
14 Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse’—
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;
16 For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.” Proverbs 1:10-19

When there are people who want to do evil, depending on who it is, getting others to join them is often a hard to refuse enticement. If they are notable in school, others may want to be esteemed in their eyes. If they have influence in some other type of setting, it may be hard to say “No” to their advances.

But the wise person will refuse to participate. Solomon’s words have been borne out innumerable times in history. What seems enticing or too good to pass up can often lead to a death sentence. Be wise and discerning, and hold fast to what is good, right, sound, and godly. The momentary temptations that you stand against will most probably save you from a lifetime of grief.

Lord God, give us wisdom to know what is good and right. And then give us the fortitude to stand up against the temptations that arise, asking us to do what is wrong. May we hold fast to what would be honoring in Your eyes at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.