Acts 23:6-10

Summary retelling of Acts 23:6-10

               

Paul recognized that the Sanhedrin was still composed partially of Pharisees and partially of Sadducees.  Paul speaks by saying that he is largely on trial on account of his hope for the resurrection of the dead.  Paul said this because he knew that the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead while the Sadducees do not.  The Pharisees and the Sadducees began to argue among themselves.  The Pharisees among the Sanhedrin said that they would find no wrong among Paul.  When it appeared that the dissention wasn’t going to get him anywhere, the military leader ordered his soldiers to go and retrieve Paul and take him back to the barracks.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul intentionally speaks about a topic that he knows will divide the Sanhedrin.  In many respects, this is a very smart tactic.  If Paul can divide them, they will be far less likely to be able to come to a consensus as to why it is that Paul must be punished.  Furthermore, Paul identifies with one of the factions.  This creates a bond between part of the Sanhedrin and himself.  If he can truly form a bond with them, they will be unlikely to be willing to condemn him.

Do you think Paul is smart in dividing the Sanhedrin?  Why do you think this?  What does this story show us about the power of strategy and diplomacy rather than arguing as we saw in yesterday’s passage?

Second Thought:

In this passage we are also introduced to a faction of Jews who believe neither in angels, nor demons, nor the resurrection.  Imagine following a religion where there is no promise of eternal life.

What does this reflection cause you to feel inside of yourself?  Are you made more aware of your appreciation of the resurrection of the dead? 

Third Thought:

In a very abstract sense, Paul is absolutely correct.  This trial is absolutely about the resurrection of the dead.  This trial is fundamentally rooted in the argument concerning whether or not Jesus was actually raised from the dead.  Paul is on trial for the truth of Christ.  Jesus was tried by the Sanhedrin.  Jesus’ disciples were also tried by the Sanhedrin.  Now even Paul is tried by the Sanhedrin.  All Christians will find themselves on trial by the world eventually.

Does it bother you to realize that just about every one of Jesus’ disciples who took Jesus’ words seriously end up on trial?  Does it bother you to see just how many Christians around you aren’t feeling any kind of pressure between themselves and the world?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 23:11