Acts 21 – Paul was arrested Acts 22 – Paul’s defense Acts 23 – Taken before Sanhedrin & delivered…

Acts 21 – Paul was arrested

Acts 22 – Paul’s defense

Acts 23 – Taken before Sanhedrin & delivered to Felix

Paul Before The Sanhedrin And Delivered To Caesarea

I. Paul Before The Sanhedrin (vv. 1-10)A. Paul said that he had lived in good conscience (v. 1)B. Ananias commanded that Paul be struck on the mouth (vv. 2-5)C. Paul stated that the was condemned because of the hope of the

resurrection from the dead (vv. 6-10)

II. The Lord Appeared To Paul At Night (v. 11)

III. A Plot Against Paul Revealed (vv. 12-22)A. Forty (plus) Jews took an oath to kill Paul (vv. 12-15)B. Paul nephew spoiled the plot (vv. 16-22)

IV. Paul Delivered To Ceaserea (vv. 23-25)A. The commander prepared protection to bring Paul to Felix (vv.

23-24)B. A letter from Lysias to Felix was sent along with Paul (vv. 25-30)C. Paul delivered to Felix (vv. 31-35)

Acts 23:18

So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you."

Paul the PrisonerActs 23

Reflects Paul’s character, struggles & how he was treated

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)

I. Conscience (v. 1)

A. Conscience is: Faculty of mind that prompts us to do what we believe to be right – refrain from doing what we believe to be wrong1. A. T. Robertson: (comments on Acts 23:1) “joint

knowledge” – to know together.2. Con (prefix) = together with; science =

knowledge3. Knowledge of what should do and what you do.

I. Conscience (v. 1)

A. Conscience is: B. Paul’s point: I have always been sincere – always

done what I thought to be right1. Acts 24:162. Acts 26:9-10

I. Conscience (v. 1)

A. Conscience is: B. Paul’s point: I have always been sincere – always

done what I thought to be rightC. Various states:

1. Pure / Good conscience (1 Tim. 3:9; 1 Pet. 3:21)2. Weak conscience (1 Cor. 8:12)3. Evil conscience (Heb. 10:22)4. Seared conscience (1 Tim. 4:2)

I. Conscience (v. 1)

A. Conscience is: B. Paul’s point: I have always been sincere – always

done what I thought to be rightC. Various states:D. Clear conscience can be wrong

1. Thus – sincerity is not enough – to be saved2. Possible to do wrong – not be bothered

I. Conscience (v. 1)

A. Conscience is: B. Paul’s point: I have always been sincere – always

done what I thought to be rightC. Various states:D. Clear conscience can be wrong E. Good conscience is essential (Rom. 14:23)

1. Can’t violate your conscience and be right2. Doesn’t mean – “Let your conscience be your guide”3. Conscience must be educated by the word (Rom. 2:15)4. Conscience is only as good as the knowledge we have

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)II. Courage (vv. 2-5)

II. Courage (vv. 2-5)

A. Took courage to make a bold claim innocence before council (vv. 1-2)1. To believer – honorable statement2. To council - insult to the august body who viewed him a

heretic of worst sort3. Thus, Ananias (HP) – commanded he be struck – to

silence him for speaking improperly (v. 2)

II. Courage (vv. 2-5)

A. Took courage to make a bold claim innocence before council (vv. 1-2)

B. Took courage to point out hypocrisy (v. 3)1. Such treatment of Paul was contrary to Law (Lev.

19:15,35)2. Yet – they are going to judge Paul “according to law”3. Thus – Paul cries hypocrisy!

Paul was Rebuked for Rebuking the High PriestActs 23:4

And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"

• Was a violation of law to speak disrespectful of ruler (Exo. 22:28)

• So Paul was wrong to do so

II. Courage (vv. 2-5)

A. Took courage to make a bold claim innocence before council (vv. 1-2)

B. Took courage to point out hypocrisy (v. 3)C. Took courage to admit he was wrong (v. 5)

1. Said he did not know – he was HP (v. 5)a. May be did not see who had spokenb. May be didn’t know who was HP for – been a

stranger to the religion for 25 yrsc. May be didn’t recognize – him (without garment)

II. Courage (vv. 2-5)

A. Took courage to make a bold claim innocence before council (vv. 1-2)

B. Took courage to point out hypocrisy (v. 3)C. Took courage to admit he was wrong (v. 5)

1. Said he did not know – he was HP (v. 5)2. Was still wrong – quotes Exo. 22:28

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)II. Courage (vv. 2-5)III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)

III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)

A. Real conflict with Paul – Resurrection (v. 6)1. Heart of his preaching – Jesus was raised2. If raised – then he is Son of God (Rom. 1:4)3. If raised – then must accept and follow him4. Did not like the consequences of what he taught!

III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)

A. Real conflict with Paul – Resurrection (v. 6)

B. Conflict with Pharisee & Sadducees (vv. 6-10)1. Two groups try to stand together against Paul2. Paul uses their differences to disrupt what would not be

a fair hearing anyway!3. Now they are divided and arguing – rather than

standing against Paul4. Notice how – Pharisees defend Paul – really a defense of

selves (v. 9)!

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)II. Courage (vv. 2-5)III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)IV. Comfort (v. 11)

IV. Comfort (v. 11)

A. Lord told Paul to be of good cheer1. “Take courage” (NASB)2. No doubt discouraged – uncertain about future3. “Paul never needed Jesus more than now” (A. T.

Robertson)4. “It is a brave word” (ibid)

IV. Comfort (v. 11)

A. Lord told Paul to be of good cheer

B. Assurance that:1. Life be spared2. Testify in Rome3. Fulfillment of Acts 26:16

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)II. Courage (vv. 2-5)III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)IV. Comfort (v. 11)V. Conspiracy (vv. 12-24)

V. Conspiracy(vv. 12-24)

A. Forty Jews take an oath to kill Paul (vv. 12-15)1. See the degree of hatred for Paul – for the truth2. Plan:

a. Not eat or drink till killed himb. Worked with chief priests, elders and council (v. 16)c. Ambush on way to council

3. Not as serious as sounds – if couldn’t fulfill vow – exempt from the vow

V. Conspiracy(vv. 12-24)

A. Forty Jews take an oath to kill Paul (vv. 12-15)

B. Paul’s nephew spoiled the plot (vv. 16-22)1. He told Paul (v. 16)2. Paul had nephew taken to Claudias Lysias (vv. 17-22)

V. Conspiracy(vv. 12-24)

A. Forty Jews take an oath to kill Paul (vv. 12-15)

B. Paul’s nephew spoiled the plot (vv. 16-22)

C. Moved to Caesarea with protection (vv. 23-24)

D. Providence 1. Had been promised life spared (v. 11)2. God used nephew, etc. to accomplish his purpose3. Although God has given his promise – Paul didn’t sit

with idle hands – did what he could to secure himself.

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)II. Courage (vv. 2-5)III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)IV. Comfort (v. 11)V. Conspiracy (vv. 12-24)VI. Communication (vv. 25-35)

V. Communication(vv. 25-35)

A. Letter from Lysias to Felix (vv. 25-30)1. Accurate 2. Didn’t tell that he was about to scourge him3. Paints himself in a favorable light4. To be fair – does protect Paul since learn he was a

Roman

V. Communication(vv. 25-35)

A. Letter from Lysias to Felix (vv. 25-30)

B. Paul was delivered to Felix with the letter (vv. 31-35)

Paulthe

PrisonerI. Conscience (v. 1)II. Courage (vv. 2-5)III. Conflict (vv. 6-10)IV. Comfort (v. 11)V. Conspiracy (vv. 12-24)VI. Communication (vv. 25-35)