Why did the Grecians try to kill Paul?
The Grecians, defined here as non-Palestine Jews who were citizens of other nations, tried to kill Paul because he disputed boldly against them in the name of the Lord Jesus. They could not tolerate opposition to Judaism, and their murderous attitude led them to attempt to kill him.
Les explains that after three years Paul came to Jerusalem and intended to join the disciples, but they were afraid and did not believe he was a disciple. Barnabas brought him to the apostles and declared how he had seen the Lord and preached boldly at Damascus. Paul then spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Grecians. Les emphasizes these Grecians were not Gentiles; a Grecian was a non-Palestine Jew, a Jew who was a citizen of another nation, not Palestine. They went about to kill him because they could not stand anyone doing anything against Judaism. Les says nothing preempts murderous attitudes faster than religion, even Judaism, and if they had opposition, the best way to get rid of it was to kill them. That is what they attempted to do with Saul.
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
More Questions
Who were the Grecians Saul disputed against?
The Grecians in this passage are not Gentiles; a Grecian is a non-Palestine Jew, a Jew who was a citizen of another nation.