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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 23

THE CONSPIRACY AGAINST PAUL

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

God has a plan and purpose for each one of our lives. He has specific people he intends our
lives to reach with the gospel message. Just as Joseph was sold into slavery, Daniel thrown into
the lions, and Paul taken prisoner, yet each fulfilled God’s plan. The adversities we face in life
cannot stop God’s ultimate plan and purpose for our lives.

DISSENSION BETWEEN THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES (1-10)

Paul addresses the council in an attempt to defend himself. Ananias, the high priest,
commands that Paul be struck in the mouth, which is illegal. This angers Paul, and he
challenges the high priest without realizing the office the man holds. When Paul is informed
that Ananias is the high priest, he immediately becomes submissive to the office in which
Ananias stands. At the same time, Paul perceives that both Sadducees and Pharisees are
present. He cries out that he is a Pharisee who believes in the resurrection knowing this will
cause a stir between the Pharisees and Sadducees in the room. The Pharisees in the crowd
suddenly want Paul acquitted and the Roman captain who is standing at the back of the room
recognizes Paul’s innocence. He then commands his soldiers to take Paul by force and take him
into the fort.

PAUL STRUCK

Act 23:1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all
good conscience before God until this day."

And Paul, earnestly beholding (eye to eye) the council (Sanhedrin), said, Men and brethren, I
have lived (politeuomai: been a citizen [politics]) in all good conscience before God until this
day.

The Jewish Council is comprised of the lawmakers and supreme court of the land. Jewish law is
excellent but has been corrupted by religion. The lawmakers are also the religious leaders and
are religiously prejudice. Paul tries to defend himself by Jewish law, but is immediately met
with their prejudice. It will be Roman law that will save him again. Paul thinks these men
represent Jewish law, not religion. Paul has broken no civil law and begins by telling of his
innocence as a free citizen.

Act 23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the
mouth.