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23:6 resurrection, anastasis (an-as-tas-is); A standing up again, restoration to life, rising
from the dead. A compound of ana, “again,” and histemi, “to stand.” The resurrection of
Jesus is the firstfruits or prototype of the future resurrection of all that are in the grave.
In verse 6, anastasis is the coming resurrection that occurs at the Judgment Day.
Another usage of anastasis is “a moral recovery of spiritual truth.”

DISSENSION OVER THE RESURRECTION

Act 23:7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the
Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension (stativ: static, uproar, uprising) between the
Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided (schizo: schizophrenia, split).

This one phrase hit the major area of disagreement between the two sides: the resurrection of
the dead.

Act 23:8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the
Pharisees confess both.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees
confess (homologeo: acknowledge) both.

The Sadducees do not believe in the supernatural. They are rationalists (Matthew 22: 23-32)
and dismiss the spirit world and its existence. The Pharisees are the scholars who pour over the
letters of the Word of God. They are legalistic about salvation and spirituality and thus reject
Jesus for righteousness. But they do believe in the future resurrection of the dead and the past
resurrections recorded in the Old Testament.

Act 23:9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and
protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let
us not fight against God."

The Pharisees are the great students of the Mosaic Law and Old Testament prophets. It is no
longer Paul on trial, but the Pharisees and their doctrine. They are now fighting to protect one
of their own. They even change their charge against Paul from guilty to innocent. They wanted
to kill Paul earlier and now they have acquitted Paul without a trial since they have found him
to be a Pharisee. They even go on to admit that condemning Paul is fighting against God. God
taught Paul. Angels can also teach. In the Old Testament, many prophets were taught by
angels.
Act 23:10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be
pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from
among them, and bring him into the barracks.