Acts 23

Looking at this group, the Sanhedrin, Paul must've seen some old friends. Old friends that had turned on him. He would also easily figure out what titles they had. There must be witnesses according to Deut 19:15:

"A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. "

They saw him as a turn-coat, betrayer and they didn't trust him. He speaks and the High Priest takes offense and orders him "smitten". Paul calls him a hypocrite and prophesies his life will be "smitten". In AD 59, he was assassinated.

Paul then apologizes. Says he didn't know he was the High Priest. He quotes Ex 22:28--we too are not to speak evil of our rulers. We respect the office.

How much more can we gain when we respectfully speak to or about our leaders? Whether it's a boss, a pastor or a president...e must not speak evil of them. We must be "conscientious in all words and conduct." (MHC)

Paul then proceeds to divide and conquer. The one issue that would instantly divide the Sadducee's and Pharisees was the fact of resurrection. So, identifying himself as a Pharisee, he dug in. The assembly was in an uproar as the two sects argued with each other, and he was removed. (See Matt 22:23 for Sadducee doctrine)

God encourages Paul--who is almost running for his life. And yet, another threat arose. But...how encouraged he must've been to have God speak to him!

Some say these Jews that banded together were his bitter enemies from Asia, who had laid hands on him in Temple. There was also a group of assassins called Sicarii.

The Talmud states that if their vow could not be fulfilled, they could be eventually released from it.

Paul's nephew might have been in Jerusalem for study and heard of the plot. Can't you see this young man coming to "uncle Paul's" rescue? He had no problem with access, because of Paul's status as a Roman citizen. He tells the commander about the plot and they decide to secretly send him out.

Think about it...how secret was 470 soldiers, some horsemen...in the middle of the night?

"Even the men of the world can discern between the conscientious conduct of upright believers, and the zeal of false professors, though they disregard or understand not their doctrinal principles. All hearts are in God's hand, and those are blessed who put their trust in him, and commit their ways unto him." MHC

The next time you are in a tight spot, try Truth. It will set you free.