Well, so much for getting started on the right foot . . . Paul immediately acknowledged his comment as a transgression of the law, and apologized. As much as I would give Paul a “high-five,” for snapping back the way he did, I have to admit that Paul was probably wrong to say what he [...]
Paul’s reaction is quick and sharp: “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed sepulcher —you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?” —Acts 23:3 Whoa! Now I don’t blame him, but that did not go over well. Some of those standing nearby [...]
“Paul stared at the council and spoke. ‘Brothers, I have always lived my life to this very day with a clear conscience before God.’ Ananias the High Priest signaled those standing near Paul to hit him on the mouth” —Acts 23:1-2 Paul looked directly at the council and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life [...]
When Stephen was executed, Paul (Saul) was there, and in hearty agreement with what they were doing. There is something unique about Paul’s “trial” before the Sanhedrin this time around. I did not notice at first, but once I looked more carefully, I saw something: “The next day, because the commanding officer wanted to know [...]
“Because the commanding officer still needed to conduct an investigation to uncover the Jews accusations against Paul. The next day he removed the ties on Paul and called a meeting with the chief priests and council of elders. He brought Paul in and had him stand before the group” —Acts 22:30 As you may have [...]
It should have already dawned on you, but God often uses earthly means to accomplish His purposes. God had saved Paul so he could share the gospel to “Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” He had just recently made it clear that Paul is to bear witness in Rome. God also promised to [...]
“They were listening quietly up until he mentioned the Gentiles. They began to shout, ‘Away with him! Such a man can’t be allowed to remain here. Kill him! He must die!’ “Chaos broke out again. People were shouting, slamming their coats down on the ground, and throwing fistfuls of dust up in the air. The [...]
Two things stand out in Paul’s testimony here. First, Paul very clearly identifies with his audience. (Strangely, Paul identifies more with the native Hebrews than with the Hellenistic Jews. You will remember that Paul was a Hellenistic Jew, although he was trained in Jerusalem by Gamaliel.) What is more interesting is that Paul tells them [...]
“Paul said to the crowd, “Brothers and fathers, please let me defend myself against these charges. When they hear him speaking in Aramaic, a hush came over the crowd. “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia. I was raised here in Jerusalem and was tutored in the great school of Gamaliel. My education [...]
The Book of Acts: Chapter 23 (pt 6 of 13)
First, let us consider Paul’s claims. Although they seem to be intended as a disruption, they are truthful and accurate. Paul was a Pharisee—not only was it his background (taught by Gamaliel, etc.), but they shared the same essential beliefs (the resurrection of the dead, and the existence of angels and spirits). Which by the [...]
Category:
Acts, Bible Commentaries, Bible Study