SCRIPTURE: ACTS 23
BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN (vs. 1-11)
The commanded brought Paul before the chief priest and all the Sanhedrin. Paul looked sat the Sanhedrin and said:
“My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” (v. 1) The high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” (v. 3) Those who were standing near Paul said, “You dare to insult God’s high priest?” Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.” (v. 5) Knowing that some of them were Sadducees and Pharisees, he called out saying: “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and the assembly was divided. The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him? (vs. 9). The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn into pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
The following night, the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (v.11)
THE PLOT TO KILL PAUL (vs. 12-22)
The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound them with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than 40 men involved in this plot. When the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions to take the young man to the commander. The commander asked the young man, “What is it you want to tell me?” (v. 19). He said: “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. Don’t give in to them because more than for of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” (vs. 20-211) The commander dismissed the young man and cautioned him not to tell anyone that he had reported it to him.
PAUL TRANSFERRED TO CAESAREA (vs. 23-33)
The commander called two of his centurions and ordered a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. He provided mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.
Letter of Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix: (vs. 26-30)
Greetings,
This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
So the soldiers carried out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” (v. 35) Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
THOUGHTS:
There are 3 persons named Ananias in Acts:
- Ananias in Acts 5 – This Ananias was the man who sold his property and kept back part of the money to himself. He lied to the Holy Spirit and fell down dead.
- Ananias in Acts 9:10 – This Ananias was a disciple in Damascus appointed by Jesus to go to Saul (later Paul) and restore his sight as well as to teach him about the path for Christ.
- Ananias in Acts 23:2 – This Ananias was the high priest serving in Jerusalem at the time of Paul’s trial. He was described by Josephus, a respected first century historian as profane, greedy and hot-tempered.
When the son of Paul’s sister overheard the plot to kill Paul, he immediately went into the barracks and told Paul. This young boy played an important part in protecting Paul’s life. God can use anyone, of any age, who is willing to yield to him.
God works in amazing ways. He used the Roman army to deliver Paul to Caesarea in a way to protect him from his enemies. God’s way is the best way. When He intervenes, things will work out so much better than we can anticipate.