Paul Before the Sanhedrin
Acts 23:1-11
Paul began to explain to the Sanhedrin what he had been doing, but the high priest Ananias ordered them standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul talked back to those who struck him on the mouth. Paul was rebuked for talking back to the high priest. He apologized because he did not know it was a high priest.
Some of those present were Sadducees and the others were Pharisees. When Paul said he was a Pharisee, a dispute broke out between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Remember the Sadducees and Pharisees did not believe the same things. Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection and angels. The Pharisees believed in visions. When Paul told them about what happened on the Damascus Road, they believed him.
There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees said they found nothing wrong with Paul. The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be harmed. Therefore, he ordered Paul to be taken away from them by force and take him into the barracks for protection. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and told him, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Questions
1. Explain what was going on in the Sanhedrin.
2. Review who the Sadducees and Pharisees are. Their characteristics were explained in a previous lesson.
3. Why did the Pharisees defend Paul?
4. Notice in Verse 11 when Paul was alone, the Lord spoke to him. What did He say to Paul?
The Plot to Kill Paul
Acts 23:12-22
The Jews were so serious that they formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. They shared with the Sanhedrin what they had planned to do. This is the only reference to Paul’s family. His sister’s son heard of the plot to kill Paul, and he went into the barracks to tell his uncle about the plot. The nephew was sent to the commander to tell him about the plot.
Paul Transferred to Caesarea
Acts 23:23-33
Paul was transferred to Caesarea for safety while he was in protective custody. Jerusalem was the center of the Jewish government. Caesarea was the Roman headquarters. Paul was sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea along with a letter that explained the situation (Acts 23:25-30). He was escorted there by 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen at nine o’clock at night. Paul was well protected.
Questions
1. Explain the difference between Jerusalem and Caesarea.
2. Why was Paul so heavily protected when he was taken to Caesarea?
3. Summarize what was in the letter that was sent to Governor Felix.
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