1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men [and] brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 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?
4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
5 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.
6 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.
7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
14 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.
15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
16 And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
17 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.
18 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.
19 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?
20 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 inquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
21 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.
22 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.
23 And he called unto [him] two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
24 And provide [them] beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring [him] safe unto Felix the governor.
25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:
26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting.
27 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.
28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
29 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.
30 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.
31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought [him] by night to Antipatris.
32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
34 And when the governor had read [the letter], he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that [he was] of Cilicia;
35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
Summary of Acts Chapter 23
Acts Chapter 23 details the confrontation between the Apostle Paul and the Jewish council, known as the Sanhedrin, following his arrest in Jerusalem. The chapter highlights themes of conflict, faith, and the providence of God in the life of Paul as he navigates the challenges posed by both Jewish authorities and Roman officials.
Key Events
- Paul’s Defense Before the Sanhedrin (Verses 1-5)
Paul begins his defense by addressing the council, asserting that he has lived in good conscience before God. Ananias, the high priest, orders Paul to be struck on the mouth, prompting Paul to rebuke him for his hypocrisy. Paul later realizes he is speaking to the high priest and apologizes, citing the scripture that commands respect for leaders.
- Division Among the Council (Verses 6-10)
Understanding that the council is divided between Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul strategically declares his belief in the resurrection of the dead. This statement ignites a fierce dispute, leading to chaos among the members, showcasing the deep theological rifts within Jewish leadership.
- Divine Assurance (Verses 11)
Following the tumultuous meeting, the Lord stands by Paul during the night, encouraging him and assuring him that he will testify in Rome, reinforcing Paul’s mission and purpose despite the challenges he faces.
- The Conspiracy Against Paul (Verses 12-15)
A group of more than forty Jews conspire to kill Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until they have accomplished their goal. They approach the chief priests and elders to gain their support for the plot.
- Paul’s Nephew Intervenes (Verses 16-22)
Paul’s nephew learns of the conspiracy and informs Paul, who then requests that a Roman commander be alerted. This act of bravery leads to the intervention of the Roman authorities, who take the threat seriously and act to protect Paul.
- Paul’s Transfer to Caesarea (Verses 23-35)
The Roman commander organizes a large escort of soldiers to safely transfer Paul to Governor Felix in Caesarea, ensuring his protection from the plot against him. This transfer signifies the Roman authorities’ recognition of Paul’s rights as a Roman citizen and their commitment to justice.
Theological Themes
- Faith and Providence
The chapter illustrates God’s providence in Paul’s life. Despite the danger and opposition, God reassures Paul of his mission, emphasizing that divine plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes.
- Conflict and Division
The division between the Pharisees and Sadducees highlights the broader conflict within Judaism regarding resurrection and the afterlife. This division serves as a backdrop for the challenges Paul faces as a Christian leader.
- Courage and Advocacy
Paul’s nephew’s actions demonstrate the importance of courage and advocacy in the face of injustice. The chapter emphasizes the role of individuals in standing up for truth and protecting others.
Character Analysis
- Paul
Paul exhibits resilience, wisdom, and faith throughout the chapter. His ability to navigate complex situations, defend his faith, and trust in God’s plan showcases his character as a devoted apostle.
- Ananias
The high priest Ananias is portrayed as hypocritical and unjust, willing to resort to violence to maintain authority. His actions reflect the moral failings of some religious leaders of the time.
- Paul’s Nephew
Paul’s nephew emerges as a courageous and resourceful figure, willing to risk his safety to save his uncle. His actions highlight the importance of familial loyalty and moral responsibility.
- The Roman Commander
The Roman commander demonstrates a commitment to justice and order, taking Paul’s situation seriously and acting decisively to protect him. This character adds a layer of complexity to the Roman perspective on the early Christian movement.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 23 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Paul’s ministry, illustrating the tension between early Christianity and Jewish authorities, as well as the protective role of Roman governance. The chapter encapsulates themes of faith, courage, and divine intervention, reinforcing the idea that God’s purposes prevail amidst human conflict.
