Now we find Paul addressing the Jewish council (called the Sanhedrim). Saying that he “lived in all good conscience before God until this day,” he stirred up the anger of the high priest, Ananias. Paul was not slow to reply, calling him a “whited wall.” Sometimes, when we reply too hastily, we say the wrong thing. Paul should not have spoken to the high priest the way he did, because he knew what the Bible said in Exodus 22:2828Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. (Exodus 22:28).
Paul soon realized that the council was composed of both Sadducees and Pharisees and their beliefs were different. The Sadducees didn’t believe in a resurrection, an angel or a spirit. The Pharisees did. They started to oppose each other and might have pulled Paul in pieces had not the chief captain rescued him. How discouraging it must have been for the Apostle! The next night, the Lord stood by Paul and told him to “be of good cheer”; he was being sent to Rome. But the Jews didn’t want him to escape, so about 40 of them bound themselves together to kill him. However, his sister’s son heard of their plot and told the chief captain. He had two centurions prepare soldiers, horsemen and spearmen to conduct Paul safely to Cæsarea.
1. What did Paul remember from the law that showed it was wrong to revile the high priest? __________ Acts 23:___
2. Which sect did not believe in resurrection, angels and spirits? __________ Acts 23:___
3. Who stood by Paul to encourage and cheer him? __________ Acts 23:___
4. More than 40 Jews bound themselves under an oath to not eat or drink until they had __________ Paul. Acts 23:___
5. How many soldiers, horsemen and spearmen were going to accompany Paul to Cæsarea? __________ Acts 23:___