[:en]SCRIPTURE: ACTS 23
“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11)
BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN (vs. 1-11)
The chief priests and the Sanhedrin assembled while Paul stood before them. The high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul used a strategy to divide the Pharisees and the Sadducees by saying: “I am a Pharisee” (v. 6). There was a great uproar and disputes broke out when some of the Pharisees defended Paul. So, the commander ordered Paul be taken away and brought to the barracks. The following night, the Lord assured Paul of His protection to testify in Rome.
A PLOT TO KILL PAUL (vs. 12-22)
There were 40 men who formed a conspiracy with a plot to kill Paul. Paul’s nephew overheard the plot and told the commander about it. The commander listened and cautioned him not to tell anyone.
PAUL TRANSFERRED TO CAESAREA (vs. 23-35)
The commander, Claudius Lysias provided a detachment of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to protect Paul in going to Caesarea. He sent a letter to governor Felix with the following information: “This man was a Roman citizen seized by the Jews and were about to kill him. Their accusations had to do with question about their laws, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to kill him, I sent him to you and ordered his accuser to present to you their case against him”. The soldiers carried the letter and took Paul with them until they arrived at Caesarea. The governor read the letter and ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace until his accusers get there.
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