And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
And he wrote a letter after this manner:
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
Who, when they came to Cesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
Acts 23 unfolds a dramatic series of events in Paul's journey, marked by intense opposition, shrewd maneuvering, and God's unwavering protection. This chapter reveals not only the depth of the hostility Paul faced but also the extent of God's providential care, ensuring his ultimate mission to Rome.
Context: From Temple Turmoil to Sanhedrin Strife
Chapter 23 is nestled within a larger narrative (Acts 21-28) that begins with Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and the ensuing chaos. Jews from Asia, falsely accusing Paul of defiling the temple by bringing in a Gentile, stirred up a mob against him. The Roman tribune intervened, rescuing Paul from the enraged crowd, but remained puzzled by the cause of the uproar. Unable to extract the truth through interrogation (and prevented from using force due to Paul's Roman citizenship), the tribune sought answers from the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. However, this attempt at resolution only plunged Paul into further danger, highlighting the volatile and deeply divided religious landscape of Jerusalem.
Before the Sanhedrin: A House Divided (Acts 23:1-11)
Paul, ever the apostle, began his defense before the Sanhedrin with a clear conscience, asserting that he had lived before God in all good conscience (Acts 23:1). However, his attempt at reasoned discourse was immediately met with violence when the high priest Ananias ordered him to be struck (Acts 23:2). Paul's impassioned response, calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall" (Acts 23:3), reflected his righteous indignation at the blatant injustice. Some believe Paul didn't recognize Ananias as the high priest, or perhaps his eyesight was failing. More likely, Paul questioned the legitimacy of Ananias' leadership due to his unlawful actions, adhering to the principle of respecting the office while challenging the character of the officeholder, as seen in his later reference to Exodus 22:28.
Realizing the futility of appealing to a unified sense of justice, Paul strategically shifted his approach. Knowing the deep divisions between the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, and the Sadducees, who denied it, he declared himself a Pharisee on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6). This shrewd move ignited a fierce debate between the two factions, effectively turning the Sanhedrin against itself. As Tony Evans puts it, Paul used the truth to highlight the theological conflict, winning sympathy from the Pharisees and accomplishing his mission of avoiding condemnation that day.
The ensuing chaos forced the Roman commander to intervene once more, rescuing Paul from the escalating violence (Acts 23:10). That night, the Lord appeared to Paul, offering encouragement and reaffirming his mission: "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). This divine affirmation served as a powerful reminder that despite the present turmoil, God's plan for Paul's life would prevail.
A Deadly Plot Foiled (Acts 23:12-22)
Undeterred by their failure in the Sanhedrin, a group of more than forty Jews conspired to assassinate Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until their deadly mission was accomplished (Acts 23:12-13). They planned to request the tribune to bring Paul back before the council under the pretense of further questioning, intending to ambush and kill him along the way (Acts 23:14-15).
However, God's providential hand intervened through an unlikely source: Paul's nephew. Overhearing the plot, he bravely informed Paul, who then relayed the information to the Roman tribune (Acts 23:16-22). This seemingly small act of courage and loyalty played a crucial role in thwarting the assassination attempt, showcasing how God can use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes. As Tony Evans notes, "The Lord knows how to have a nephew at the right place at the right time to foil the plans of a band of killers."
Safe Passage to Caesarea (Acts 23:23-35)
The Roman tribune, recognizing the seriousness of the threat and his responsibility to protect a Roman citizen, orchestrated a massive security operation to transport Paul to Caesarea, the seat of the Roman governor Felix. A formidable escort of soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen (Acts 23:23) accompanied Paul on his journey, ensuring his safety from any potential ambush. The tribune also sent a letter to Governor Felix, outlining the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the assassination plot, presenting himself in a favorable light (Acts 23:25-30).
Upon arrival in Caesarea, Paul was brought before Felix, who, after learning that Paul was from Cilicia, promised to hear his case when his accusers arrived from Jerusalem (Acts 23:31-35). Paul was kept under guard, but Luke subtly reminds us that even in the hands of Roman authorities, Paul ultimately remained in God's hands.
Enduring Lessons
Acts 23 offers several valuable insights for believers today:
- Courage in the Face of Opposition: Paul's unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of intense hostility and personal danger, serves as an inspiration to remain steadfast in our convictions.
- Discernment and Wisdom: Paul's strategic approach before the Sanhedrin demonstrates the importance of discernment and wisdom in navigating complex and challenging situations.
- God's Providential Care: The chapter highlights God's active involvement in protecting and guiding Paul, reminding us that He is always working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.
- Trusting God's Plan: Despite the trials and tribulations, Paul remained confident in God's promise to bring him to Rome, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate plan for our lives, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
In conclusion, Acts 23 is a powerful testament to the resilience of faith, the importance of strategic action, and the unwavering providence of God. It reminds us that even in the midst of adversity, God's promises remain steadfast, and He will ultimately lead us to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
And he wrote a letter after this manner:
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
Who, when they came to Cesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
Acts 23 unfolds a dramatic series of events in Paul's journey, marked by intense opposition, shrewd maneuvering, and God's unwavering protection. This chapter reveals not only the depth of the hostility Paul faced but also the extent of God's providential care, ensuring his ultimate mission to Rome.
Context: From Temple Turmoil to Sanhedrin Strife
Chapter 23 is nestled within a larger narrative (Acts 21-28) that begins with Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and the ensuing chaos. Jews from Asia, falsely accusing Paul of defiling the temple by bringing in a Gentile, stirred up a mob against him. The Roman tribune intervened, rescuing Paul from the enraged crowd, but remained puzzled by the cause of the uproar. Unable to extract the truth through interrogation (and prevented from using force due to Paul's Roman citizenship), the tribune sought answers from the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. However, this attempt at resolution only plunged Paul into further danger, highlighting the volatile and deeply divided religious landscape of Jerusalem.
Before the Sanhedrin: A House Divided (Acts 23:1-11)
Paul, ever the apostle, began his defense before the Sanhedrin with a clear conscience, asserting that he had lived before God in all good conscience (Acts 23:1). However, his attempt at reasoned discourse was immediately met with violence when the high priest Ananias ordered him to be struck (Acts 23:2). Paul's impassioned response, calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall" (Acts 23:3), reflected his righteous indignation at the blatant injustice. Some believe Paul didn't recognize Ananias as the high priest, or perhaps his eyesight was failing. More likely, Paul questioned the legitimacy of Ananias' leadership due to his unlawful actions, adhering to the principle of respecting the office while challenging the character of the officeholder, as seen in his later reference to Exodus 22:28.
Realizing the futility of appealing to a unified sense of justice, Paul strategically shifted his approach. Knowing the deep divisions between the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, and the Sadducees, who denied it, he declared himself a Pharisee on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6). This shrewd move ignited a fierce debate between the two factions, effectively turning the Sanhedrin against itself. As Tony Evans puts it, Paul used the truth to highlight the theological conflict, winning sympathy from the Pharisees and accomplishing his mission of avoiding condemnation that day.
The ensuing chaos forced the Roman commander to intervene once more, rescuing Paul from the escalating violence (Acts 23:10). That night, the Lord appeared to Paul, offering encouragement and reaffirming his mission: "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11). This divine affirmation served as a powerful reminder that despite the present turmoil, God's plan for Paul's life would prevail.
A Deadly Plot Foiled (Acts 23:12-22)
Undeterred by their failure in the Sanhedrin, a group of more than forty Jews conspired to assassinate Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until their deadly mission was accomplished (Acts 23:12-13). They planned to request the tribune to bring Paul back before the council under the pretense of further questioning, intending to ambush and kill him along the way (Acts 23:14-15).
However, God's providential hand intervened through an unlikely source: Paul's nephew. Overhearing the plot, he bravely informed Paul, who then relayed the information to the Roman tribune (Acts 23:16-22). This seemingly small act of courage and loyalty played a crucial role in thwarting the assassination attempt, showcasing how God can use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes. As Tony Evans notes, "The Lord knows how to have a nephew at the right place at the right time to foil the plans of a band of killers."
Safe Passage to Caesarea (Acts 23:23-35)
The Roman tribune, recognizing the seriousness of the threat and his responsibility to protect a Roman citizen, orchestrated a massive security operation to transport Paul to Caesarea, the seat of the Roman governor Felix. A formidable escort of soldiers, horsemen, and spearmen (Acts 23:23) accompanied Paul on his journey, ensuring his safety from any potential ambush. The tribune also sent a letter to Governor Felix, outlining the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the assassination plot, presenting himself in a favorable light (Acts 23:25-30).
Upon arrival in Caesarea, Paul was brought before Felix, who, after learning that Paul was from Cilicia, promised to hear his case when his accusers arrived from Jerusalem (Acts 23:31-35). Paul was kept under guard, but Luke subtly reminds us that even in the hands of Roman authorities, Paul ultimately remained in God's hands.
Enduring Lessons
Acts 23 offers several valuable insights for believers today:
- Courage in the Face of Opposition: Paul's unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of intense hostility and personal danger, serves as an inspiration to remain steadfast in our convictions.
- Discernment and Wisdom: Paul's strategic approach before the Sanhedrin demonstrates the importance of discernment and wisdom in navigating complex and challenging situations.
- God's Providential Care: The chapter highlights God's active involvement in protecting and guiding Paul, reminding us that He is always working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.
- Trusting God's Plan: Despite the trials and tribulations, Paul remained confident in God's promise to bring him to Rome, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate plan for our lives, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
In conclusion, Acts 23 is a powerful testament to the resilience of faith, the importance of strategic action, and the unwavering providence of God. It reminds us that even in the midst of adversity, God's promises remain steadfast, and He will ultimately lead us to fulfill His purpose for our lives.