🙏🏽 Dear Heavenly Father – We return to Your Word today to read how Paul is inspected for speaking Your truth. Let us receive the message that You want to teach us. We ask for Your wisdom and guidance, in the mighty name of our Lord, Jesus. Amen.
23 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!”
4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you 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.’ (Exodus 22:28)”
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, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of 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 believe all these things.)
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.
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.”
Points to Ponder: The commander brought Paul to the Sanhedrin hoping to hear more about the accusations against Paul. Instead, he and we, are witnesses to the division among the Jewish people that leads to violence and arguing.
It is my opinion that Paul certainly knew who Ananias was. (Philippians 3:4-6) Paul is clever, he calls out the hypocrisy of their proceedings – sitting as judges over him as they themselves violate the law… then demonstrates that he knows the law. He also knows that the deep-seated division among them is of greater importance to them than the one thing they have in common – their animosity towards him.
By directing their attention towards that division, an uproar erupts and the commander must step in and remove Paul. How does Paul have such wisdom to invoke this strategy? Consider this – it is most likely the year 57 AD. He was converted on the road to Damascus in 33 AD. He has already written letters to the Corinthians about two years earlier urging them to be united (1 Corinthians 1:10) Jesus taught the same thing. (Matthew 12:25) He has been teaching the Gospel for almost 25 years and his experiences among the new churches has given him wisdom. And our Lord, Jesus, strengthens Paul in his difficulties.
The Plot to Kill Paul
12 The next morning some 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 the 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.”
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.
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?”
20 He said: “Some 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.”
22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Points to Ponder: I am never surprised to read or hear about such schemes… but I am delighted to see God’s hand in directing the outcome! Paul was told that he must testify about Jesus in Rome. When he hears from his nephew about the plot, he doesn’t just wait to see how God will work things out. He recognizes God’s hand in this and does his part – notify the commander.
Paul Transferred to Caesarea
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 horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”
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. 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.
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. 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.
Points to Ponder: And now the commander, Claudius Lysias, is doing his part. Most likely, he does not recognize that what he is doing is all part of God’s plan. (Romans 8:28) The commander sends Paul 50+ miles north to the coastal city of Caesarea – where the regional governor Felix is. The governor now has responsibility for this Roman citizen and he places Paul, under guard, in Herod’s palace.
Paul’s Trial Before Felix
24 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
Points to Ponder: And so, the trial begins and human justice is on display. When humans take on judging others, we take on a responsibility that is not ours. First – the lawyer, Tertullus, flatters the authorities. Second, he generalizes the offense but gives the impression that the offense – being a ringleader of the Nazarene sect – is worthy of legal punishment. Finally, he infers that his opinion is true and with little effort on their part, they will agree with him.
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
Points to Ponder: Paul addresses each of the charges that Tertullus raised and takes the opportunity to insert the root cause of his ‘arrest’ – his commitment to the Gospel. His statement that he still worships the God of their ancestors – certainly common to all the Jews in the room – but as a follower of the Way, that is, a Christian.
He makes a statement that is common for all mankind – I have the same hope in God… that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Religious or not, all humans have a view on what happens at death. That view influences their life. For Paul – decades after meeting Jesus, he admits that he strives to keep his conscience clear! Don’t miss this – that’s wild – if Paul is still striving, we can take comfort when we still strive. We can show grace to others when they are still striving.
This is what Augustine wrote about in Confessions when explaining 4 distinct phases of human development from a distinctly Christian worldview:
1st – Man was able to sin… this is the state of man in innocence, before the Fall.
2nd – Man is not able to not sin… this is the natural man after the Fall.
3rd – Man is able to not sin… this is the state of every regenerate man. (Born-again into new life.)
4th – Man is unable to sin… this is the glorified man.
For all Christians that are striving in a broken world, we take comfort that Paul did as well. We also hold onto the HOPE that glorification is coming. (Jesus’ resurrection is the source of that hope… He was first, we follow. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Amen and amen!!! ) Death is nothing to fear; we will only be made perfect by death!
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Points to Ponder: The behavior of Governor Felix is worth observation. We are told that he was well acquainted with the Way. We are not told that he was a follower of Jesus. Religious familiarity doesn’t always translate to a saving faith – there is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. When Felix talked with Paul about the details of the Gospel message… (Not ours, but Jesus’) righteousness… our desire to respond with self-control thereby showing others a different way to live… and the truth of the judgment to come, Felix is afraid.
The Gospel is GOOD NEWS – not news to cause fear. Instead of digging in more with Paul to understand the message, instead of bringing this fear to God in prayer, Felix puffs himself up and tells him that he will listen more when convenience allows. This is a very sad state of his spiritual condition. (Hebrews 3:13) As are the final remarks… hoping for a bribe and leaving Paul in prison to gain favor with the Jews.
Summary: In two chapters there are hours of meditation on division, strife, and justice. In two thousand years, I don’t believe we have learned much. We are not displaying what is good… what is right… what is fair. In fact, we keep arguing and dividing ourselves about the very definitions of good and right and fair. (Micah 6.8)
🙏🏼 Heavenly Father – Thank You for Your Word. Let us remember that you created us to rule a good world with You. Open our eyes to see the opportunities You give us. Press into our hearts and minds that with sin in this present world, we must always strive to humble ourselves and make sure that whatever we rule within the domains that You’ve given us, we are prioritizing Your will over ours. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love this…
I am never surprised to read or hear about such schemes… but I am delighted to see God’s hand in directing the outcome! Paul was told that he must testify about Jesus in Rome. When he hears from his nephew about the plot, he doesn’t just wait to see how God will work things out. He recognizes God’s hand in this and does his part – notify the commander.
And now the commander, Claudius Lysias, is doing his part. Most likely, he does not recognize that what he is doing is all part of God’s plan.
And I just was listening to this very story 2 days ago and I was so saddened by Felix and his response to the gospel.