Strong’s Greek 4945, synōmosia, denotes a covert pact sealed by mutual oath, aimed at accomplishing a hostile purpose. In Scripture it describes a binding agreement of like-minded men who pool their resources, energy, and resolve to oppose the work of God or His servants.

Occurrence and Context in Acts 23:13

Luke records a single New Testament instance: “There were more than forty of them who formed this conspiracy” (Acts 23:13). The nexus of the plot was Jerusalem, where devoutly religious yet spiritually blind Jews swore a fasting oath until they had assassinated the apostle Paul (Acts 23:12–15). Their zeal illustrates how misguided conviction, when untethered from truth, can drive violent opposition to the gospel.

Biblical Background of Conspiracies

1. Old Testament Roots
• Genesis 37:18–20 – Joseph’s brothers “conspired” to kill him, proving that family or ethnic bonds do not immunize against treachery.
• 2 Samuel 15:12 – Absalom’s conspiracy against David shows political ambition cloaked in piety.
• 2 Kings 12:20; 2 Kings 14:19 – Assassinations of kings Jehoash and Amaziah reveal conspiracies inside covenant Israel.
• Isaiah 8:12 – The prophet warns Judah, “Do not call conspiracy everything these people call conspiracy,” redirecting fear from human plots to reverent trust in the Lord.

2. Continuity into the New Testament
• Matthew 26:3–4 – Chief priests and elders “plotted” Jesus’ death, foreshadowing the Acts 23 event.
• Acts 23:12–22 – Religious zealots employ oath-bound secrecy, but divine providence exposes their plan through Paul’s nephew, demonstrating that no conspiracy escapes the Lord’s notice.

Theological Implications

1. Sovereignty of God – Human schemes serve the outworking of divine purpose (Genesis 50:20; Acts 4:27–28). Paul’s safe transfer to Caesarea advanced his mission to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).
2. Moral Accountability – Though God overrules, conspirators remain responsible for intent and action (Proverbs 11:21).
3. Spiritual Warfare – Synōmosia reminds believers that opposition is often coordinated and spiritual in nature (Ephesians 6:12), requiring vigilance and prayer.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Trust without Naiveté – Paul accepted protective custody; prudent measures can coexist with faith (Acts 23:23–24).
• Courageous Witness – Knowledge of plots did not silence Paul; ministry proceeds despite threats (Acts 20:24).
• Community Alertness – The body of Christ must safeguard vulnerable members, just as the Roman commander shielded Paul when informed (Acts 23:16–18).
• Avoidance of Fleshly Tactics – God’s servants must never adopt conspiratorial means to advance the kingdom (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Historical Insights

Jewish resistance movements in the first century (e.g., Sicarii) used sworn conspiracies against Roman rule and perceived traitors. Luke’s mention of more than forty conspirators places Paul’s opponents within this milieu, underlining the political volatility surrounding the early church.

Related Biblical Principles

• Light Exposes Darkness – Hidden plots are brought to light (Luke 12:2–3).
• Oaths and Integrity – Illicit vows bind participants to sin; contrast with righteous covenant loyalty (Matthew 5:33–37).
• Divine Deliverance – Psalm 64:2–4 petitions God against secret plots, a prayer answered in Acts 23.

Reflection for Today

Synōmosia warns believers of the real but ultimately futile machinations opposing Christ’s mission. While conspirators swear themselves to violence, disciples entrust themselves to the faithful Creator, confident that every plan against the gospel will either be thwarted or turned to its furtherance.