Bede : The Jews made a council to kill him. But the plot against Paul was known to him; and they watched the gates of the city day and night to kill him. It was not the Jews who kept watch, but the citizens themselves with their king Aretas, as the Apostle himself, who was besieged and escaped, writes to the Galatians. For both Gentiles and Jews, although they disagree among themselves, always agree in the persecution of Christians. — Retractions on Acts John Chrysostom : "And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him." The Jews again resort to that valid argument of theirs, not now seeking false-accusers and false-witnesses; they cannot wait for these now: but what do they? They set about it by themselves. For as they see the affair on the increase, they do not even use the form of a trial. — Homily on Acts 20 John Chrysostom : Therefore "after many days" this happens: viz. the Jews "took counsel to kill him. And their laying await was known of Saul." What does this mean? It is likely that for awhile he did not choose to depart thence, though many, perhaps, besought him; but when he learnt it, then he permitted his disciples: for he had disciples immediately. — Homily on Acts 20