Bible StudyPaul Before the Sanhedrin

Acts 23:1-35

IntroductionIntroduction

• Paul is kept in the barracks for his own protection.• When Paul’s sister’s son learns of a plot of some of

the Jews to call him before the Sanhedrin again in order to ambush and kill him, he tells Paul.

• Paul sends the young man to tell the centurion and Paul is moved at night from Jerusalem down to

Caesarea and kept under guard in Herod’s palace where he will be safer.

• Paul is kept in the barracks for his own protection.• When Paul’s sister’s son learns of a plot of some of

the Jews to call him before the Sanhedrin again in order to ambush and kill him, he tells Paul.

• Paul sends the young man to tell the centurion and Paul is moved at night from Jerusalem down to

Caesarea and kept under guard in Herod’s palace where he will be safer.

• Acts 23:1-3• 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and

said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." 2 At

this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 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!"

• Acts 23:1-3• 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and

said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." 2 At

this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 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!"

The conscience

1) Part of our inner being. It either accuses us of doing wrong, or excuses what we have done as acceptable.

(cf. Rom. 2:15).

2) But, Paul had Christians killed and imprisoned (cf. 22:4).

3) That tells us that the conscience is not an error-free guide to make decisions by.

4) In addition the conscience can be REJECTED or SEARED WITH A HOT IRON if we choose to

(cf. 1Tim. 1:19; 4:2).5) Thus the conscience is a wonderful gift from God.

However, it must be EDUCATED by the word of God in order for it to be effective as God intended it.

• Acts 23:4-5• 4 Those who were standing near Paul said,

"You dare to insult God's high priest?" • 5 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.'"

• The Jewish priests, all descendants of Aaron, changed positions each year (John 11:49-51;

18:13). It is logical to assume that Paul is telling the truth. He didn’t know who was the high priest that

year.

• Acts 23:4-5• 4 Those who were standing near Paul said,

"You dare to insult God's high priest?" • 5 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.'"

• The Jewish priests, all descendants of Aaron, changed positions each year (John 11:49-51;

18:13). It is logical to assume that Paul is telling the truth. He didn’t know who was the high priest that

year.

• The Sanhedrin came into being in the desert to assist Moses and the tribal leaders make policy

decisions and adjudicate the more difficult questions of law and justice (Numbers 11:16 & 17).• It was the only body that theoretically had the power to discipline kings and rulers of the nation.

• Under the Romans it was limited in its power and restricted to making judgments concerning matters

related to the religion and culture of the Jewish nation.

• The Sanhedrin came into being in the desert to assist Moses and the tribal leaders make policy

decisions and adjudicate the more difficult questions of law and justice (Numbers 11:16 & 17).• It was the only body that theoretically had the power to discipline kings and rulers of the nation.

• Under the Romans it was limited in its power and restricted to making judgments concerning matters

related to the religion and culture of the Jewish nation.

Sanhedrin’s Tombs – near Jerusalem

• The Sanhedrin was the senate of the Jews. It was based on the council of seventy appointed by Moses

in the Desert (Numbers 11:16-18).• It was composed of the high priest, the other senior

priests and the leading scribes and rabbis. It also included many of the rich and powerful men among

the Jews of the time. Many positions in the Sanhedrin were hereditary.

• It could exact the death penalty on Jewish lawbreakers but it could not crucify.

• The Sanhedrin was the senate of the Jews. It was based on the council of seventy appointed by Moses

in the Desert (Numbers 11:16-18).• It was composed of the high priest, the other senior

priests and the leading scribes and rabbis. It also included many of the rich and powerful men among

the Jews of the time. Many positions in the Sanhedrin were hereditary.

• It could exact the death penalty on Jewish lawbreakers but it could not crucify.

• Ananias did not want to hear that Paul could replace Moses with Christ in good conscience.

• He ordered Paul to be stuck on the mouth for saying such a thing.

• Paul responded by pronouncing a curse in the name of God. But he added a name, calling

Ananias a “whitewashed wall.”• If Ananias had been an inferior member of the court, the curse and insulting name would not have broken the law. But when Paul learned that he, as high priest that year, was a ruler of the people, he

apologized.

• Ananias did not want to hear that Paul could replace Moses with Christ in good conscience.

• He ordered Paul to be stuck on the mouth for saying such a thing.

• Paul responded by pronouncing a curse in the name of God. But he added a name, calling

Ananias a “whitewashed wall.”• If Ananias had been an inferior member of the court, the curse and insulting name would not have broken the law. But when Paul learned that he, as high priest that year, was a ruler of the people, he

apologized.

Whitewash over adobe

• The Jewish law forbade speaking evil of a ruler of the people (Exodus 22:28). Name calling and insults to a ruler of the people were serious

offenses for which the offender could be beaten with forty lashes.

• If God told the people not to speak evil of their rulers, would it not be a good thing if our citizens showed more respect for our elected leaders?

Assuming they earn our respect!• Our laws are soft on those who malign public

figures, whereas libel and slander of private individuals can bring a heavy financial penalty in a

court of law.

• The Jewish law forbade speaking evil of a ruler of the people (Exodus 22:28). Name calling and insults to a ruler of the people were serious

offenses for which the offender could be beaten with forty lashes.

• If God told the people not to speak evil of their rulers, would it not be a good thing if our citizens showed more respect for our elected leaders?

Assuming they earn our respect!• Our laws are soft on those who malign public

figures, whereas libel and slander of private individuals can bring a heavy financial penalty in a

court of law.

• But the Jewish law also said that a man should not be struck or beaten unless he is found guilty of a

crime in a court of law ((Deuteronomy 25:2).• Ananias was a whitewashed wall, in other words, a

hypocrite, because he pretended to be following the law in his judgment of Paul but he broke it when he

had Paul, an innocent man, struck.• Paul knew and predicted that he would get his just

desserts.

• But the Jewish law also said that a man should not be struck or beaten unless he is found guilty of a

crime in a court of law ((Deuteronomy 25:2).• Ananias was a whitewashed wall, in other words, a

hypocrite, because he pretended to be following the law in his judgment of Paul but he broke it when he

had Paul, an innocent man, struck.• Paul knew and predicted that he would get his just

desserts.

Matt 23:27-28

• "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like

whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of

dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28. . . on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside

you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

• Paul’s prediction that God would smite Ananias came true. According to

Josephus, the Jewish historian, who was a witness of these things,

• “Ananias was slain, with Hezekiah his brother, during the agitation that occurred in Jerusalem when the robbers, or Sicarii, under their leader, Manahem, had taken

possession of the city. . .

• Paul’s prediction that God would smite Ananias came true. According to

Josephus, the Jewish historian, who was a witness of these things,

• “Ananias was slain, with Hezekiah his brother, during the agitation that occurred in Jerusalem when the robbers, or Sicarii, under their leader, Manahem, had taken

possession of the city. . .

The picture is an artist’s representation of the Jewish historian Josephus.

• He attempted to conceal himself in an aqueduct, but was drawn forth and killed.”

See Josephus, Jewish Wars, book 2, chapter 17, section 8. (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic

Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)

• Thus, Paul's prediction was fulfilled.

• He attempted to conceal himself in an aqueduct, but was drawn forth and killed.”

See Josephus, Jewish Wars, book 2, chapter 17, section 8. (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic

Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)

• Thus, Paul's prediction was fulfilled.

2Cor 12:7+

• “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these

surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in

my flesh . . .” (NIV)

Gal 4:12-15; “. . .Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or

scorn . . . if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. “

(NIV)

Gal 6:11“See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!” (NIV)

• Acts 23:6-8• 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were

Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "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." 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are

neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

• Acts 23:6-8• 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were

Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "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." 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are

neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

• I think Paul saw that the inquisition was going unfavorably for him. So he injected the

controversial “bone of contention” of the resurrection to divide the Sanhedrin and bring

them to an indecisive standstill. This effectively forced an end to the deliberations.

• Paul later admitted that he had used this disingenuous trick to short-circuit the

investigation and get out of a dangerous situation.

• Well, it worked beautifully.

• I think Paul saw that the inquisition was going unfavorably for him. So he injected the

controversial “bone of contention” of the resurrection to divide the Sanhedrin and bring

them to an indecisive standstill. This effectively forced an end to the deliberations.

• Paul later admitted that he had used this disingenuous trick to short-circuit the

investigation and get out of a dangerous situation.

• Well, it worked beautifully.

• Acts 23:9-10• 9 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," they said. "What if a spirit or an

angel has spoken to him?" • 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go

down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

• Acts 23:9-10• 9 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," they said. "What if a spirit or an

angel has spoken to him?" • 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go

down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 22:6+What were the Pharisees likely referring to when they talked about Paul seeing a spirit

or an angel (23:9)?

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, `Saul! Saul! Why do you

persecute me?'“ (NIV)

• Paul is again rescued from the murderous intentions of the Jews.

• He will be kept in the barracks until the commander can find a resolution to the case.

• But there is a well-planned plot afoot against Paul’s life. His enemies plan to call him before the

council once more, but then to ambush and kill him as he is on his way there.

• Paul’s nephew gets wind of the plot and comes to the barracks to warn him.

• Paul is again rescued from the murderous intentions of the Jews.

• He will be kept in the barracks until the commander can find a resolution to the case.

• But there is a well-planned plot afoot against Paul’s life. His enemies plan to call him before the

council once more, but then to ambush and kill him as he is on his way there.

• Paul’s nephew gets wind of the plot and comes to the barracks to warn him.

Model of Antonia Fortress that contained the Barracks

• Acts 23:11• 11 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." • This tells us that God through His foreknowledge

knows that what is happening is setting things up for Paul to be carried safely to Rome.

• Paul will be protected by the resources of the greatest empire on earth.

• Acts 23:11• 11 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." • This tells us that God through His foreknowledge

knows that what is happening is setting things up for Paul to be carried safely to Rome.

• Paul will be protected by the resources of the greatest empire on earth.

• Acts 23:12-15• 12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy

and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition

the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about

his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here."

• Acts 23:12-15• 12 The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy

and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition

the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about

his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here."

Paul feels safe in the Roman army barracks,unaware of the Jews’ conspiracy to lure him

out to assassinate him.

• Acts 23:16-18• 16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard of

this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

• 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander;

he has something to tell him." 18 So he took him to the commander.

• Acts 23:16-18• 16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard of

this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

• 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander;

he has something to tell him." 18 So he took him to the commander.

• Acts 23:18-19• The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for

me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."

• 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you

want to tell me?"

• Acts 23:18-19• The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for

me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."

• 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you

want to tell me?"

• Acts 23:20-21• 20 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. 21 Don't give in to them, because more than forty 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."

• Acts 23:20-21• 20 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. 21 Don't give in to them, because more than forty 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."

• Paul’s sister’s son is usually pictured as a small boy. But judging from the language he uses as he explains the plot and gives his advice to the

commander, it is obvious he is probably an older teen or young adult. He is called a young man in the

story.• Though born in Tarsus in Cilicia, Paul was raised

and educated in Jerusalem. He might have had other relatives there besides his sister and her

family.

• Paul’s sister’s son is usually pictured as a small boy. But judging from the language he uses as he explains the plot and gives his advice to the

commander, it is obvious he is probably an older teen or young adult. He is called a young man in the

story.• Though born in Tarsus in Cilicia, Paul was raised

and educated in Jerusalem. He might have had other relatives there besides his sister and her

family.

• Acts 23:22-24• 22 The commander dismissed the young man

and cautioned him, "Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me."

• 23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine

tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."

• Acts 23:22-24• 22 The commander dismissed the young man

and cautioned him, "Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me."

• 23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, "Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine

tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."

• The detachment sent with Paul to escort him to Caesarea was a formidable force of 470 men. This

commander was taking no chances.• There were probably many Jews who would help

the forty who had bound themselves with the oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. The

clandestine mission undertaken in the dead of night thwarted the plot.

• Several horses were taken for Paul so he could change mounts when the one he was riding got

tired.

• The detachment sent with Paul to escort him to Caesarea was a formidable force of 470 men. This

commander was taking no chances.• There were probably many Jews who would help

the forty who had bound themselves with the oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. The

clandestine mission undertaken in the dead of night thwarted the plot.

• Several horses were taken for Paul so he could change mounts when the one he was riding got

tired.

• Acts 23:25-28• 25 He wrote a letter as follows:

• 26 Claudius Lysias, • To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

• Greetings. • 27 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. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to

their Sanhedrin.

• Acts 23:25-28• 25 He wrote a letter as follows:

• 26 Claudius Lysias, • To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

• Greetings. • 27 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. 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to

their Sanhedrin.

• I get the impression that Luke saw and copied this letter.

• The commander Claudius Lysias spun his account to put his actions in the best light.

• The story about how and when he learned that Paul was a Roman citizen was a slight

manipulation of the truth, to put it charitably.• He probably had not yet ordered Paul’s accusers

to present their case before the governor yet. But he planned to do that as soon as Paul was safely

at Caesarea.

• I get the impression that Luke saw and copied this letter.

• The commander Claudius Lysias spun his account to put his actions in the best light.

• The story about how and when he learned that Paul was a Roman citizen was a slight

manipulation of the truth, to put it charitably.• He probably had not yet ordered Paul’s accusers

to present their case before the governor yet. But he planned to do that as soon as Paul was safely

at Caesarea.

• Acts 23:29-30

• 29 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. 30 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.

• Acts 23:29-30

• 29 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. 30 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.

• Acts 23:31-34

• 31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the

night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the

cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the

cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and

handed Paul over to him.

• Acts 23:31-34

• 31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the

night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the

cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33 When the

cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and

handed Paul over to him.

JerusalemJerusalem

CaesareaCaesarea

Med

iter

ran

ean

Med

iter

ran

ean Sea of GalileeSea of Galilee

Dead SeaDead Sea

Jord

an R

iver

Jord

an R

iver

AntipatrisAntipatris

Paul’s Paul’s Journey Journey

totoCaesareaCaesarea

Acts 23:1-35Acts 23:1-3538 M

iles

26 Miles

• Why send the cavalry on and the other soldiers back

(23:32)?

• The infantry went with the cavalry as far as Antipatris. They stopped there until morning,

probably sleeping a few hours.• This was about half of the 70 miles to Caesarea.

• The next morning the infantry returned to Jerusalem leaving the cavalry to take Paul the rest

of the way to Caesarea.• By the end of the second day I think Paul was

safely settled in Herod’s palace.• Herod had many palaces. This one was in the

Roman capital of Palestine.

• The infantry went with the cavalry as far as Antipatris. They stopped there until morning,

probably sleeping a few hours.• This was about half of the 70 miles to Caesarea.

• The next morning the infantry returned to Jerusalem leaving the cavalry to take Paul the rest

of the way to Caesarea.• By the end of the second day I think Paul was

safely settled in Herod’s palace.• Herod had many palaces. This one was in the

Roman capital of Palestine.

Pieces of Herod’s palacedug up at Caesarea

• Acts 23:34-35• 34 The governor read the letter and asked

what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under

guard in Herod's palace.

• Acts 23:34-35• 34 The governor read the letter and asked

what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under

guard in Herod's palace.

ConclusionConclusion• Do you think Paul will be safe in Herod’s

palace?• The rich and powerful Jews in Jerusalem have a

lot of influence with the Roman rulers. Remember what Pilate did when they demanded

that Jesus be crucified.• But can Paul demand a particular right he has

as a Roman citizen that will ensure his protection and a trip to Rome?

• Do you think Paul will be safe in Herod’s palace?

• The rich and powerful Jews in Jerusalem have a lot of influence with the Roman rulers.

Remember what Pilate did when they demanded that Jesus be crucified.

• But can Paul demand a particular right he has as a Roman citizen that will ensure his

protection and a trip to Rome?

Remains of an ancient building in Caesarea

God did not PromiseGod did not Promise

by Ellis Jones

As your days, so shall your strength be. (Deut 33:25 NKJV)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5 NIV)

by Ellis Jones

As your days, so shall your strength be. (Deut 33:25 NKJV)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5 NIV)

God did not promise

Sunshine without rain,

Skies forever blue,

Pleasure without pain.

God did not promise

Sunshine without rain,

Skies forever blue,

Pleasure without pain.

But He has promised

Strength for every day,

Light for the darkness

To show you the way.

But He has promised

Strength for every day,

Light for the darkness

To show you the way.

When the lightnings flash

And the thunders roll,

He’ll send the rainbow,

And peace for your soul.

When the lightnings flash

And the thunders roll,

He’ll send the rainbow,

And peace for your soul.

He will go with you

And not leave your side.

If you will trust Him

And in Him abide.

He will go with you

And not leave your side.

If you will trust Him

And in Him abide.