SCRIPTURE: ACTS 23
Bible Verses:
“ 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.” (Acts 23:11)
BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN (vs. 1-11)
Before the Sanhedrin, Paul told them that he had fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience. The high priest Ananias told those standing near Paul to strike his mouth. But 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)
Paul used a strategy to divide the enemy camp by announcing that the was a Pharisee. Since the Pharisees and the Sadducees disagreed over the issue of resurrection, the Pharisees sided with Paul and there was a great uproar. The dispute was so violent that the commander ordered to bring Paul to the barracks. That night, God said to Paul: “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (v. 11)
THE PLOT TO KILL PAUL (vas. 12-22)
More than 40 men found a conspiracy with an oath not to eat or drink until they killed Paul. The nephew of Paul heard of this plot and informed Paul. Paul then told the centurion to take his nephew to the commander to transmit this information.
PAUL TRANSFERRED TO CAESAREA (vs. 23-35)
The commander was Claudius Lysias who had prepared a detachment of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea. He provided mounts for Paul and a letter for the soldiers to be delivered to Governor Felix. The governor read the letter and ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace before he will hear his case with the accusers.
THOUGHTS:
- Since the council was a mixture of Sadducees and Pharisees, it enabled Paul to divide his enemy. God will help us when we are under fire for our faith.
- The nephew of Paul played an important part in protecting Paul’s life. He was able to foil the conspiracy and get Paul away from dangerous Jerusalem. God can use children for His work.
- God used the Roman army to deliver Paul from his enemies. God’s way is always the best. When he intervenes, things work out much better than what we anticipate.