Acts 23:6-11
6 But Paul, perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, began crying out in the Council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!”
7 When he said this, a dissension occurred between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
9 And a great uproar occurred; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and started arguing heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
10 And when a great dissension occurred, the commander was afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, and he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.
11 But on the following night, the Lord stood near him and said, “Be courageous! For as you have testified to the truth about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome also.”
Paul Before the Sanhedrin (4)
Encouragement from the Lord (v 11)
“But on the following night, the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Be courageous! For as you have testified to the truth about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome also.’” (1) Paul was contemplating how he could escape his difficult situation. That very night, the Lord stood beside him. (2) Without exception, visions from the Lord were given to Paul when he was in a crisis (ref. Acts 9:5; 18:9-10; 22:17-21; 23:11). (3) Let us look at the words of encouragement from the Lord. (a) “Be courageous!” Paul was feeling discouraged. (b) “For as you have testified to the truth about Me in Jerusalem.” This was a word of commendation for Paul’s faithful service. (c) “So you must testify in Rome also.” This was to affirm Paul’s sense of mission regarding evangelism in Rome. That conviction became the source of his perseverance. No matter what difficulties arise, in the end, the Lord’s plan will be fulfilled. This is our conviction also.
The essence of Paul’s gospel
Paul’s gospel centered on the resurrection of Christ. (1) Paul recognized that this testimony before the Sanhedrin would be his last. Therefore, he delivered the most important message. (2) The historical fact of Jesus’ resurrection is the foundation of Christianity. Through the reality of the resurrection, it is proven that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Scriptures. (3) In his defense before King Agrippa, as recorded in Acts 26, Paul also centered his message on the resurrection of Jesus. “… For this hope, O king, I am being accused by Jews. Why is it considered incredible among you people if God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:7–8). “So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place, as to whether the Christ was to suffer, and whether, as first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:22-23). The gospel we are called to proclaim is the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ’s resurrection is the first fruits of resurrection (the first resurrection). In this, is a light of hope for all people.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus was the first fruits of resurrection. In this, is a light of hope. Please use me for the gospel. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.