Acts 23
-Paul defends himself before the Council of the Jews declaring
his life lived under a good conscience before God. Ananias had him illegally struck
on the mouth for this comment and Paul rebuked him strongly in the presence of all.
However, when he found out that Ananias was the high priest, he retracted his comments
and apologized in accordance to the Law (Exodus 22:28). *Application* Ananias’ inability
to follow the very Law that he was supposed to be chief priest over left him unrecognizable
to Paul. The same can happen to us if we are covert Christians who do not really
represent Christ Jesus. Do people actually know who you are in this world O Christian?
-Paul then astutely divides the Council with his hope and resurrection
of the dead beliefs. This led to a great dissension and the binding of Paul being
taken into the custody of Roman barracks.
-This orchestrates the vow made on Paul by 40 Jews to kill him.
Paul’s nephew learns of this mayhem and saves Paul’s life. Paul makes his way to
Caesarea Maritima under custody of the Romans and is incarcerated in the official
governor’s residence of Herod’s Praetorium waiting to appear before Felix, the governor.
-God appears to Paul in the middle of all this crisis in Jerusalem
and gives him His word that he will solemnly witness the Lord’s cause in Rome. *Application*
The voice of the Lord is sure. His promises never fail and we can count on every
one of them. The Lord stands beside His chosen people. Paul does end up in Rome
spreading the gospel of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Verse to Memorize:
Acts 23:11
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