Passage
Acts 22:30-23:11 (ESV)
Peter Reports to the Church
Acts 11:1-18
Key Verse: 11:14
Paul Before the Sanhedrin
Date: Sep. 2, 2019
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 23:11
1. Paul fulfilled his duty to God (22:30-23:5)
The commander brought Paul before the Sanhedrin in order to find out why the Jews were accusing him. Paul stated to them that he had fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience. This caused the high priest to have Paul struck, which was against Jewish law. When Paul tried to point this out, he was rebuked for speaking in such a way to the high priest. Paul repented immediately. He was a man of great conscience.
2. The Lord told Paul to take courage (6-11)
The Sanhedrin contained both Pharisees (who believed in the resurrection) and Sadducees (who didn't). Paul used this to his advantage and stated that he stood on trial because of his hope in the resurrection. This caused a huge uproar that necessitated the removal of Paul for his own safety. That night, the Lord stood near Paul and told him, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." As the Lord stood near Paul in his time of fear, so the Lord stands with us in our trials as well.
Prayer: Prayer: Lord, I know you always stand with me. Help me to take courage, knowing this.
One Word: Take courage! Testify to the Lord.
