Study #20
Recap
In our previous study, we explored Acts 20, wherein Paul gathered and encouraged the Elders of the Ephesian church, before departing towards Jerusalem. Paul’s words echo many of his later epistles that would follow. He called the leaders to “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” And he set himself as an example of leadership for others to follow inasmuch as he followed Jesus’ example. In this departure, Paul showed the importance of Christian leadership and, through his tears, reminded us of the love that is at work in the body of Christ.
Introduction
This week, we pick up two chapters later (Chapter 23). In the two chapters, Paul has returned to Jerusalem, but because of his teaching across the Roman Empire, he has gotten into hot water with the Jewish people, who believe he is turning people away from the law. Another mob started that tried to kill Paul, but the Roman soldiers stopped the crowd and gave Paul the chance to address the crowd. Paul recounts many of the events of the book of Acts, but Paul’s address only stoked the crowd's anger, calling for Paul’s death.
The Roman soldiers then prepared to flog and interrogate Paul, but he revealed that he was a Roman citizen, so he should not be flogged without a trial. This leads us to chapter 23, where Paul is transferred to the Sanhedrin (A Jewish Judicial Body), then to Caesarea. This is a journey similar to Jesus’, who was first tried by a group of Jewish leaders before being transferred to Pilate, then to Herod (who represented the Roman Empire).
As we read this story, it may simply seem like a retelling of events, but it is important to remember that the book of Acts is not merely about what the church did, but about how God, the Holy Spirit, was at work in and through the church and history. As we read this story, we should ask, ‘Where is God at work in this story,’ even if he is not directly mentioned.
Read Acts 22:30-23:35
(Remember - First read out loud, either one person reads the whole thing, or separate it by verses. After you read through the passage out loud, take a little bit of time to re-read it individually, noting and marking verses, words or phrases that stand out in the story.)
Three Quick Questions:
Is there anything that stands out to you as we read through the passage?
Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
Are there any other stories or passages in the Bible that Luke may be subtly referencing? Why is Luke connecting this story to that passage?
Diving Deeper
Where do you see the spirit at work in this story?
In Verses 23:1-5, Paul has a confrontation with the high priest.
What does this confrontation and response teach us about how Christians are to relate to those in authority (even when those in authority are in the wrong)?
In what ways can we show respect for authority figures today, even when we disagree with them?Paul’s words in verse 6 spark a controversy between the very people who are interrogating him; he is on trial because he believes in the resurrection, but the Pharisees and Sadducees are in disagreement about whether the resurrection will happen in the future. This results in a surprising turn; the Pharisees begin to defend him as a result of this.
Why do you think Paul chose to publicly proclaim his belief in the resurrection of the dead during his trial—was it primarily a sincere declaration of faith, a strategic move to create division between the Pharisees and Sadducees, or both?In verse 11, we read, “The Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage!”
What do you think it means that the Lord stood near Paul?
Are there ways that we see God standing near us today?What is similar between Paul’s trial and Jesus’ trial?
Why do you think Luke highlights these similarities?
What might this mean for those of us who are also called to be witnesses of Christ today?
Benediction
Lord Jesus Christ, equip us with everything good so that we can do your will and that you may receive honor and glory now and forever. Amen.
Amen
