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, Acts 23:1-5). *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 (Acts 23:6-10). “But
on the night immediately following,
the Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly
witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also (Acts
23:11).’”
-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 (Acts 23:12-35).
-*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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