Return to Index.

Acts-Paul Defends Himself Before the Sanhedrin and the Governor
February 13, 2021

As we continue our study of the Book of Acts, we find Paul is detained by the authorities in Jerusalem facing the Sanhedrin. Having been trained by Gamaliel, Paul understood what the religious elite believed and knew how to leverage that information to benefit his situation. He understood their customs and practices that would be easily overlooked. In addressing the Sanhedrin, Paul explained how he was facing them with a good conscience before God. It was as Paul was sharing this with the Sanhedrin that Ananias, the high priest ordered that Paul be struck in the mouth. After feeling the sting of the physical action, Paul called Ananias a whited wall, inferring that Ananias was a hypocrite, who had violated the law.

Paul was accused of reviling the high priest. Paul defended himself by acknowledging that he was aware of the requirement of the law stated in Exodus twenty-two verse twenty-eight, not to speak evil of a ruler. He stated that he was unaware that Ananias was high priest. While some priests, like Aaron, served for life, many of the high priests served a much shorter period of time. The governors of Judea appointed high priests who politically would be willing to work with Rome, which would explain why Paul stated he was unaware that Ananias was high priest.

As Paul considered the audience before him, he realized that some were Sadducees and the others Pharisees and that they held divergent views on scripture. Paul intended to use their differences against them. He knew Sadducees did not believe in life after death, nor did they believe in a spirit world beyond God. Pharisees believe in a resurrection and spirit world. Paul honestly shared that he was a Pharisee born of a Pharisee. Some of the scribes who were there, also Pharisees claimed it would be unjust to take any action against Paul, because an angel may have spoken to Paul and that they would be on dangerous ground if they took action because they could be fighting against God. The debate became so intense that the Roman captain feared violence would overtake the assembly bringing harm to Paul, a Roman citizen, entitled to protection of law. The captain had Paul returned to the garrison.

Jesus came to Paul at night and told him to maintain his confidence because Jesus would have him testify in Rome. Paul knew with these words that nothing would harm him in Jerusalem or his travels to Rome. The next day when a group of more than forty Jews banded together and vowed to kill Paul before they ate or drank and shared this vow with the chief priests and elders, it created quite a stir in Jerusalem, and when Paul heard of this plot, he would have known that no harm would come to him by this group because Jesus had already told him he would go to Rome. It was Paul’s nephew who heard of the plot and told Paul about this. Paul then had him share the information with the garrison soldiers. The plot was very simple. The chief priests would ask the garrison commander to bring Paul to testify before them and he would be killed by the group while headed to testify.

The garrison commander, Claudius Lysias, heard this threat and believed what he heard from Paul’s nephew. He probably was able to sense from Paul’s prior testimony there was hatred of Paul. He also knew he had to protect the rights of a Roman citizen, and leading a Roman citizen to that citizen’s assassination would not be protecting citizenship rights. The commander felt the best option was to remove Paul from Jerusalem and ordered that he be taken by military escort to Caesarea, with Paul protected by two hundred soldiers, seventy horseman, and two hundred spearmen and would leave at nine p.m. Paul was to ride to Caesarea on an animal and be taken to Felix the governor along with a letter written by the garrison commander.

In the letter, the garrison commander explained to Felix that Paul had been taken by the Jews and would have killed him. He went on to explain that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he worked with the religious tribunal and had Paul testify. He observed that the complaints against Paul were a matter of religion and not violations of Roman law for which Paul could be punished. He added that when he found out that when he was told of a plot to assassinate Paul, that Paul was sent to him for protection. He explained that those with grievances against Paul were told they would need to bring them up with the governor.

The soldiers and Paul departed the garrison headed to Caesarea and by daybreak arrived at Antipatris, a city between Jerusalem and Caesarea, and closer to Caesarea. Antipatris had been established by Herod the Great, named in honor of his father. Today the location of Antipatris is a national park within Israel and historically was strategic because of a water spring in the area. Once they came to Antipatris, the foot soldiers and spearmen returned to Jerusalem, and the horsemen continued with Paul to Caesarea. Felix, Marcus Antonius Felix, was the governor of Judea from about AD 52 to AD 59, giving us a time frame of when this happened. We’ll find out that Paul was held for two years prior to the next governor being appointed, putting the dates closer to AD 57. Unlike Paul who was a citizen from birth, Felix was a freedman, who was given his citizenship. Felix asked Paul where he was from and understood he was from Cilicia. He told Paul he would hear his side of the story when Paul’s accusers came, and Paul was ordered to stay at the judgement hall, which would have consisted of a palace and military barracks.

Acts 23:1-35
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. And he wrote a letter after this manner: Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell. Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

Five days later, Ananias the high priest, came with elders and Tertullus, a lawyer, who would argue their case before Felix. Like many lawyers, Tertullus began his legal presentation by thanking Felix, who was the judge, and acknowledging all that Felix had done for the people of Judea. He then launched into his attack of Paul claiming that Paul was acting in sedition against the government as part of a small religious group, and also attacked the established religious faith at the temple. They were painting Paul to be a rebel who could be held accountable under Jewish law and acknowledged that the garrison commander had taken away that possibility. The Jews who listened to Tertullus agreed with what he had just said.

The prosecution rested and it was time for Paul to defend himself, and similar to Tertullus, Paul also praised Felix expressing confidence that Felix would fairly hear the complaint brought against Paul as well as Paul’s defense. Paul explained he had been in Jerusalem for twelve days, and he went there to worship. During his entire time in Jerusalem, not once was he observed to debate religion at the temple, not once was he observed to debate religion at a synagogue, nor was he observed to debate in public. He explained that the charge of sedition that they leveled against him could not be proven and that the religious heresy of which he was accused, involved worshipping the same God they worshipped adhering to what was written in scripture. He explained he had hope of a resurrection and future judgment of the just and unjust, and that even some of his accusers had thus similar hope, that this hope was tolerated by the Jewish faith.

Paul explained he had a good conscience believing he had done nothing to offend God or man. After an absence from Jerusalem of several years, he returned to Jerusalem to help people in need and to provide offerings at the temple. He explained while going through a purification ritual at the temple, he was noticed by Jews and when he was noticed by the Jews he was not with a large group nor was he creating a disturbance. He offered that those people as witnesses to his actions should be there to provide testimony and that the only reason he was on trial was because of his belief in the resurrection of the dead, which he previously explained was a hope allowed by Jewish law. Felix thanked both parties for their testimony and explained he would question the garrison commander on the need to refer this matter to the governor. He directed the centurion that Paul was to remain at the judgment hall and would be able to have visitors of Paul’s choosing and discretion.

Paul was a novelty at the judgment hall and days after the hearing, Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was a Jew had Paul brought to them so they could hear more about the faith of Jesus Christ. Felix trembled as he heard Paul speak probably because he understood he would not measure up to the requirements of faith. He dismissed Paul and while Paul was being held was hoping to be bribed to let Paul go. He had Paul room with repeat offenders and after two years when Porcius Festus became governor, Paul remained under house arrest.

Acts 24:1-27
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Facing the Sanhedrin and the governor, Paul had a full set of options of how to respond and defend himself. In a way, he side-stepped the complaint by knowingly and purposefully stating that he was a Pharisee understanding there would be the dispute between the Sadducees and Pharisees. In his response, Paul did not lie, nor did he misrepresent who he was. He used circumstances of society and this external debate between Pharisees and Sadducees to benefit his situation. While we can’t tell from the passage, Paul probably knew the debate on the resurrection from the dead and the spirit world was very intense between the two groups. He already had an idea that the Roman soldiers knew they were bound by law to protect his citizenship rights. Paul was playing a chess match and likely was hoping for a situation that would require his removal from the Sanhedrin.

In the situations we face in life, there may be times when it is useful for us to be mindful of disputes and situations between others that may benefit us. This shows it is important to remember while we are not to be consumed by the evil of this world, we do live in this world and our knowledge of how this world works is useful as we live our lives looking forward to the Kingdom of God.

Prior to His death, Jesus warned the disciples that in the end time, followers of Jesus would be persecuted, brought before religious and civil tribunals, and just like Paul was given an opportunity to provide testimony, so we will be given the same opportunity. Knowing that we live in the end time and persecution is foretold, a normal reaction would be to prepare our response. Jesus tells us NOT to prepare a response, because the words we will give in testimony will be inspired by the Holy Spirit. The words that are given to us by the Holy Spirit will be so incredibly wise, that those who persecute us will be unable to deny what we have said, nor will they be able to find any basis to oppose what we said. Jesus adds that many will hate us including those closest to us. Jesus tells us that while some will face death, if we let the Holy Spirit speak for when we are before these tribunals, we will be protected, and it is through patience, the Greek word, hupomone, enduring to the end, that we will save our life. We can never allow the threat of harm to us to cause us to deny Jesus and this incredible calling we have. Luke chapter twenty-one verse twelve.

Luke 21:12-19
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.

In troubling circumstances it can be easy to forget that in our life, we have God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Paul in writing to the Colossians warns us to be wary of philosophy and vain deceit, which follow the traditions of men rather than the teachings of Jesus. Even in the most trying of circumstances, we need to remember that it is through Jesus we have access to God the Father. For Paul he was currently in prison, with the new governor, Porcius Festus. Whether imprisoned for the faith or isolated from this world and people who are not called at this time, we still have access to God the Father through Jesus Christ.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
Copyright and Legal Information
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information