Chapter 23 of Acts contains the scene of Paul arguing himself before the Sanhedrin, the conspiracy in Jerusalem, and the process of Paul being transported to Caesarea under Roman protection. This chapter shows Paul's wise argument and God's protection.
1. Paul’s argument before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1-10)
1) Beginning of Paul’s argument (23:1-5)
- Acting according to conscience : Paul tells the Sanhedrin that he has been walking according to his conscience with all his heart before God.
- Conflict with the high priest : In response to Paul's words, the high priest Ananias orders Paul to be struck on the mouth. Paul accuses him of being a “whitewashed wall,” but explains that he did not know that he was a high priest. Paul apologizes by quoting the written words, “Do not insult the law of God.”
2) Division of the Sanhedrin (23:6-10)
- Pharisees and Sadducees : Paul realizes that the Sanhedrin is divided into Pharisees and Sadducees, and says that he is a Pharisee and is being judged because of his hope for resurrection.
- Internal strife : Paul's words divide the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees believe in the resurrection, angels, and the soul, but the Sadducees do not. This causes a great commotion, and the commander, fearing that Paul will be harmed, sends soldiers to rescue him and take him back to the compound.
2. Conspiracy in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11-22)
1) The Lord’s encouragement (23:11)
- Word of the Lord : That night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, “Be of good courage,” and encouraged him to testify about me in Rome just as he had testified about me in Jerusalem.
2) Murder plot (23:12-15)
- Jewish Conspiracy : The next day, several Jews vow to kill Paul and inform the chief priests and elders of their plan. They swear that they will not eat or drink until they murder Paul. About 40 people participated in this conspiracy.
- The Plan : The conspirators ask the Sanhedrin to bring Paul back for closer examination, and plan to kill him before he arrives.
3) Exposure of the conspiracy (23:16-22)
- Paul's nephew : Paul's nephew hears of this plot and informs Paul. Paul delivers this news to the commander through the centurion.
- Commander Cheon's actions : Commander Cheon listens to his nephew and instructs him to keep the plan a secret. He decides to take immediate action and transport Paul safely to Caesarea.
3. Paul’s transfer to Caesarea (Acts 23:23-35)
1) Preparation for transfer (23:23-24)
- Bodyguard : The commander prepares 200 infantry, 70 cavalry, and 200 spearmen to transport Paul at night. They leave at 9pm.
- Letter to the Governor : The commander writes a letter to Governor Felix explaining Paul's case.
2) Letter from the commander (23:25-30)
- Content : In the letter, the commander explains that Paul was arrested by the Jews, but that he was almost treated unfairly as a Roman citizen. It also reports that although Paul was only accused of matters related to Jewish law, he did not commit a crime punishable by death or imprisonment. He sends Paul to the governor, adding that he will also have the accusers present before the governor.
3) Paul’s transport (23:31-35)
- Antipatris : The soldiers took Paul and transported him to Antipatris at night, and the next day, leaving only the cavalrymen, they took Paul to Caesarea.
- Arrival in Caesarea : The horsemen who arrived in Caesarea lead Paul to the governor and deliver the commander's letter. The governor reads the letter and asks Paul where he is from. When the governor learns that Paul is from Cilicia, he announces that he will hold a trial when the accusers arrive, and imprisons Paul in Herod's palace.
summary
Chapter 23 of Acts depicts Paul's argument before the Sanhedrin and his rescue from a conspiracy in Jerusalem. Paul wisely divides the Sanhedrin to explain his position, and is transported to Caesarea with God's encouragement and protection. This chapter shows Paul experiencing God's guidance and protection despite various crises and continuing his mission to spread the gospel.