Acts 23:1-22
A Good Conscience Before God
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1Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”
2At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
3Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”
4But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!”
5“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”
6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”
7As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
9A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
10The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.
11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”
12When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
13More than forty of them were involved in this plot.
14They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.
15Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.”
16But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
17Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”
18So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”
19The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside, and asked, “What do you need to tell me?”
20He answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him.
21Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.”
22So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul's hearing quickly becomes violent. Ananias orders him struck, and Paul replies sharply. When challenged for insulting the high priest, Paul says he did not know who he was and cites Scripture's command not to speak evil of the ruler. Even in an unjust hearing, God's instruction matters for Paul's own speech.
Paul then names his hope in the resurrection. Pharisees and Sadducees divide over it so fiercely that the commander fears for Paul's life and removes him. That night the Lord stands near Paul with a promise:
Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.
The next day brings a murder plot, not an end to danger. More than forty men plan to ambush Paul under cover of another hearing. But his nephew hears about it and tells him. Paul sends the young man to the commander, who listens privately and tells him to keep the report secret.
The Lord's assurance does not make these practical actions unnecessary. Paul receives the promise and still arranges for the warning to reach someone able to act. His future witness belongs to God's purpose, and this young relative has a part in protecting his life.
Questions
1 What did Paul say about his conscience?
AnswerHe said he had lived before God with a clear conscience up to that day, even though his opponents disputed his faithfulness.
2 What hope did Paul emphasize?
AnswerHe emphasized the hope of the resurrection of the dead, which divided the council between Pharisees and Sadducees.
3 What did the Lord tell Paul?
AnswerHe told Paul to take courage because he had testified about Jesus in Jerusalem and must testify in Rome as well.
4 Who discovered the plot?
AnswerPaul’s nephew heard about the ambush, entered the barracks, and reported the plot to Paul and then to the commander.
What This Means for Us
A young person may notice something that adults need to hear. We can make it easy for children to tell us when someone is threatened, and take their words seriously. Paul's nephew was not asked to confront the plotters himself. He brought the information to people who could help. Trust in God's care can include that simple, courageous act.
Prayer
Lord, give us a clear conscience and steady courage. Protect people who face threats, and help us notice how we can bring truthful help to them. Amen.