The Commander Seeks to Understand the Accusation – Acts 22:30–23:10
The commander summoned the chief priest and the council of the Jews in order to investigate the charges against Paul (Acts 22:30). Paul stood before the council and began his defense, declaring that he had lived in all good conscience before God up to that very day (Acts 23:1). In response, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth (Acts 23:2). Paul rebuked the action as unlawful and hypocritical, pointing out the inconsistency of judging him according to the law while violating it (Acts 23:3). Those standing nearby questioned Paul for reviling God’s high priest (Acts 23:4). Paul responded by acknowledging that he did not know Ananias was the high priest and quoted Scripture, “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people” (Acts 23:5).
Historical Note on Ananias:
Ananias, the son of Nedebaeus (also rendered Nebedeus), served as high priest from approximately A.D. 47 to 58. The Jewish historian Josephus describes him as a corrupt and violent man who was politically aligned with Rome.
Paul Recognizes the Division – Acts 23:6–10
Perceiving that the council was divided between Pharisees and Sadducees, Paul declared that he was a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and that he was on trial concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6). This statement incited dissension between the two groups, intensifying the debate (Acts 23:7).
Sadducees:
The Sadducees held considerable authority in Temple and judicial matters during this time and were likely associated with Ananias. The sect likely derived its name from Zadok, the high priest who served under David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Kings 1:34–35). Rising to prominence during the Hasmonean period in the second century B.C., the Sadducees were known for their strict adherence to the Pentateuch. They denied the resurrection, the afterlife, and the existence of spiritual beings.
Pharisees:
In contrast, the Pharisees affirmed the resurrection, as well as the existence of angels and spirits. Some among them declared that they found no fault in Paul (Acts 23:8–9). The dissension became so violent that the commander, fearing Paul would be torn apart, ordered the soldiers to retrieve him by force and bring him back into the barracks for his safety (Acts 23:10).
The Lord Encourages Paul – Acts 23:11
That night, the Lord stood by Paul and said, “Take courage.” Paul was commended for his testimony in Jerusalem and was assured that he would also bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).
The Jews Plot to Kill Paul – Acts 23:12–22
The following day, more than forty Jews bound themselves under a curse, vowing neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12). They conspired with the chief priests and elders, laying out a plan to request Paul's return for further questioning, intending to ambush and kill him along the way (Acts 23:13–15). However, Paul’s nephew learned of the plot and informed Paul of the conspiracy (Acts 23:16). Paul then called one of the centurions and asked that the young man be brought to the commander (Acts 23:17–18). The young man privately informed the commander of the ambush (Acts 23:19–21). The commander instructed him not to tell anyone that he had revealed the plot (Acts 23:22).
Paul Is Sent to Felix – Acts 23:23–35
In response to the threat, the commander arranged for a military escort of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to accompany Paul safely to Caesarea under cover of night (Acts 23:23). Paul was provided a horse and sent to Governor Felix (Acts 23:24). The commander, Claudius Lysias, wrote a letter to Felix explaining the circumstances of Paul’s arrest and the nature of the accusations (Acts 23:24–30). Paul was escorted as far as Antipatris by the soldiers (Acts 23:31), after which the horsemen continued with him to Caesarea (Acts 23:32). Upon arrival, Felix inquired about Paul’s province of origin and, upon learning he was from Cilicia, agreed to hear the case once Paul’s accusers arrived (Acts 23:33–34). Paul was kept in Herod’s praetorium until that time (Acts 23:35).
Herod’s Praetorium:
This was the official residence or administrative headquarters used by Roman governors. In Jerusalem, Pilate also utilized this facility (cf. Matthew 27:27; Mark 15:16; John 18:28, 33; 19:9).
Paul Is Accused Before Felix – Acts 24:1–9
After five days, the high priest Ananias came down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus to present their case against Paul before Felix (Acts 24:1).
Tertullus:
Tertullus was a skilled orator hired by the Jewish Sanhedrin. His method of argument blended Roman legal rhetoric with political strategy.
Tertullus began by respectfully addressing Felix and acknowledging the peace and reforms brought under his administration (Acts 24:2–4). He then accused Paul of being a plague on society and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5).
Sect of the Nazarenes:
This designation was used by Jewish authorities for followers of Jesus of Nazareth. The name “Nazarenes” derives from “Nazareth” and identified early Christians as a subgroup within Judaism.
Tertullus claimed that Paul had attempted to profane the Temple and blamed Claudius Lysias for interfering in their legal process (Acts 24:6–7). He asserted that Felix would find these charges to be true upon examination (Acts 24:8). The Jews present also affirmed the accusations made by Tertullus (Acts 24:9).
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