ACTS 23

PAUL TAKEN BEFORE THE COUNCIL + THE GOVERNOR

As Paul is before the council, someone orders for him to be struck across the face. Paul speaks up, calling out the hypocrisy of the man, saying they are judging him according to the law, but unwilling to keep it themselves. When Paul realizes the man is the high priest, he relents and remembers his own instructions to respect authorities.

Seeing that both Pharisees and Sadducees are among them, two types of religious leaders, Paul takes the attention off himself by bringing up a point of conflict between the two groups. After causing the clamor, the Pharisees stand up for Paul and defend his innocence. The following night, God tells Paul that he will testify in Rome as well as Jerusalem. God encourages Paul to have courage and continue the work he has begun.

Knowing that Paul is still alive, a group of forty Jewish men make a pact not to eat or drink until Paul is killed. Paul and the local leadership hear of the pact and proceed with caution. Paul is brought to Felix, the Governor for the trial. Knowing that many want to kill him, he travels with protection from the Jerusalem army. Claudius, one of the Roman leaders, writes to Felix and says that he finds no guilt in Paul. Upon reading the letter, Felix waits for Paul’s hearing.