Acts Chapter 23
The Roman tribune was curious what the Jewish religious leaders had against Paul, so they unchained Paul and put in a room with the chief priests and the council (the Sanhedrin or judicial body). It was as if the Roman’s had put two fighting cats in a box to see who would win as they stood back and watched. Paul used the opportunity to once again try to share the gospel.
Paul was almost immediately reviled because he said he was living in all good conscience before God. The chief priest took offense to this. Paul was obviously "lying" since he was just brought out of a prison and chains. Ananias the high priest commanded Paul to be struck. This upset Paul that he would give such an order, not knowing that this man was the high priest. In all fairness, Paul had been away from Jerusalem for quite some time and would not have known who the high priest was.
Let's Reflect
1. Paul knew that there were both Pharisees and Sadducees in the room. He wanted them to know that he understood what both groups believed doctrinally. He knew that the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. What did he say that showed his knowledge of what the Pharisees believed?
2. The scribes upon learning that Paul was a Pharisee made what declaration?
3. Apparently, a great argument ensued because the Roman tribune thought it best to do what?
4. Safely tucked back in prison, Paul got a wonderfully encouraging message from the Lord. What was it?
5. The Jews were not going to let Paul live. They began planning his death and there was a group of men who made it their mission to kill Paul. How many were in this group?
6. There was a young man who was related to Paul who became a whistle blower of this group. He went to the prison and informed Paul of their plans to murder him. Paul apparently had gained the respect of the centurion guarding him because when Paul called for the centurion to take the young man to the tribune, he did so. The young man told the murderous plot to the tribune. What was the plot, their attack plan?
7. How did God save Paul’s life?
8. Paul was still a prisoner, but he knew that he was going to arrive in Rome at some point because God had told him so. Sometimes God does reveal bits of our future to us and we are blessed knowing God is at work to bring about His purpose. Besides providing a small army to escort Paul away, transferring him to another prison, a letter was drafted to proclaim that they had found no fault in Paul that was deserving of death. This letter was written to a Roman governor of Caesarea. What was the governor’s name?
9.The governor would hear the case of Paul in his courtroom once the accusers were present. The accusers would be the same group that plotted to murder Paul. Does this seem fair? But God is in control. That truth is what got Paul through every accusation and horrible circumstance.
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