Pray -
Read Acts 22:30 - 23:1
Acts 22:30 The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Jewish high council. He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them. Acts 23:1 Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
Why do you think Paul is serious about this defense that he is giving?
Why do you think he addresses this group as”brothers?
What does Paul’s opening statement tell the audience ?
How does he express that passion doesn't’ necessarily mean right?
What does he mean about always living before God with a clear conscience?
Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”
Who is Ananias and why is he having Paul slapped?
Compare this with how Jesus is treated when he is brought before the high priest.
So Paul gets slapped and then unknowingly insults the Chief Justice by calling him a corrupt hypocrite. When have you been insulted for what you are saying about Jesus?
When have you acted like a hypocrite?
Acts 23:4-9
Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?” “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’” “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”
7This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees—8for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. 9So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully. “We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him.”
Compare the Pharisees and Sadducees and what do each of these groups value?
How does God call us to stand for righteousness
How do we know Paul places a high value on God’s word from this passage?
What do you think about Paul’s apology?
What diversion does Paul create with a divisive issue?
Acts 23:10-14
10As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress.11That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
How does God re-iterate the call to go the Gentiles to Paul?
What legal term does He use?
How does Paul balance the tension of being a citizen of this World and a citizen of the Kingdom? Is he willing to sacrifice his citizenship here?
How do we balance this?
Acts 23:12-15
12The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. 14They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul.15So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.”
This is a joint effort by the mob and the elders: How did they get this far off course?
What were the leaders listening to in addition to God’s word?
Compare Paul’s experience with Jesus.
When we have up against people who hate what we are doing when following Jesus, what do we have to recognize about where the hatred is coming from?
Acts 23:16-31
16But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. 17Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.” 18So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. 21But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.” 22“Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man. 23Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. 24Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.” 25Then he wrote this letter to the governor: 26“From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings! 27“This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. 28Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. 29I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. 30But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.” 31So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. 32They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea.
What do you think Paul is feeling in this situation?
What would you be feeling?
What is the result of this passage?
33When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix. 34He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered. 35“I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.
Who does God provide to hear Paul’s case?
What is Paul’s commitment to God and to the Kingdom of God?
Is Paul concerned about his life?
Think on This…
As a soldier for the Lord, what experiences has Paul already been through to prepare him for these moments? What experiences are we going through now that will prepare us for what God has for us to do in the kingdom. If you don’t believe you are being prepared, ask God to help prepare you in this season to stand.
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