#1609 Acts 24 Scrubbing Off Flattery

 

Now after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2 And after Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying,

“As we have attained much peace through you—and because by your provision reforms are being carried out for this nation— 3 we welcome this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I may not weary you any further, I plead with you by your forbearance to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10 And when the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul answered:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you are able to ascertain the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor across the city did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. 13 Nor are they able to prove to you of what they are now accusing me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, for which these men are waiting, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a conscience without fault both before God and before men. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings; 18 in which they found me, having been purified in the temple, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves tell what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”

22 But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some rest, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.

24 But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and summoned Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will call for you.” 26 At the same time, he was also hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to summon for him quite often and converse with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.  Acts 24

Acts 24

Vs. 1-2 With an attorney named Tertullus - Ananias was the high priest, and not much of one, a Sadducee who ignored the books after the Pentateuch, not believing in the resurrection, a liberal and a materialist. He must really hate Paul to come down to Caesarea and bring a lawyer. This attorney, Tertullus, is picked especially for his ability to speak, and it is nauseating. All these men, the 40 who have taken the vow, probably most of the Sanhedrin, which is the ruling 70 elders, and the high priest are conspiring against this one man. 

1For the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! 2For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”… Psalm 11: 1-3

Vs. 2b-4 As we have attained much peace through you - This is the sort of lawyer Tertullus is, a flatterer, and I have sat with a lawyer before who did or had his people do a lot of homework on me, even reading my blogs, knowing that I liked to fish, and then trying to appeal to me from a religious angle. It was gross, and it is here as well, for these men don't really care for Felix, and history doesn't reflect the lavish compliments this man is buttering him up with. Anyone who has a worked a minute in the corporate world would recognize his type. They are crediting him with the Pax Romana, or Roman peace, which was brought about by a firm and strong Roman military presence. The Jews didn't actually enjoy it, and so the compliments come from anywhere other than a good, sincere place. They really wanted Rome gone, and saw themselves as oppressed rather than reaping the benefits of a peaceful kingdom. It was in no way perfect, it was peace by force and mostly for it's citizens. 

…2They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. 3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. 4They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”… Psalm 12: 2-4

…27He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin. Proverbs 26: 27-28

…4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. 5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.… Proverbs 29: 4-6

…15to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.” 16These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. 17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ… Jude 1: 15-17

On the other hand Robert Girard wrote, “Tertullus waxed eloquent about the ‘great peace’ the province had enjoyed under Felix. Actually, few periods in Judean history were marred by more unrest and terrorism. Tertullus told how grateful the people were for Felix’s ‘foresight.’ The years of A.D 52-59 when Felix was procurator were years of unparalleled government corruption!”

Wiersbe agrees with Girard writing " It was true that Felix had put down some revolts, but he had certainly not brought peace to the land. In fact, during the time Felix was suppressing robbers in his realm, he was also hiring robbers to murder the high priest Jonathan! So much for his reforms." - PA

Vs. 5-9 A fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world - In v. 4 he left off with not wanting to weary Felix, as though this isn't even worth his time, and it's a simple enough matter that they should be able to handle themselves. It's very deceitful, not only in painting a false picture of Paul as a villain, which includes some truth as to him being an Apostle of the Nazarene, but they weren't actually seeking to give him a fare trial, but had conspired to murder. If not for God's providence he would have already been lynched, not heard out, and justice is only perverted by these men. The truth when it's favorable to them, but the lie when it is more favorable than the truth. As far as dissension, well, like R.C. says,

Vs. 10-13 Causing a riot - Paul is right in this. It was Jews from Asia who recognized him and made false accusations. They are the ones that are responsible for encouraging the riot, but those who participate in such events should be held to individual accountability for their actions as well. Many didn't even know what they were rioting about, but people are such followers in general, so they joined in. 

V. 14 According to the Way - Jesus Christ referred to Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life, and in saying that "no one comes to the Father but by Me", He was also declaring Himself as the only Way to be right with God. These thought they were right by works of the law, and or being related to Abraham, a birthright. Paul clarifies that he believes everything in accordance to the law, which these men say they believe, and the prophets, which the Sadducees don't believe in a literal sense. Paul sees Christ as the fulfillment of the law through His taking on humanity, being born of a woman, the Seed promised in Genesis. He also sees Christ as the Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy, the Redeemer spoken of by Isaiah.  

…44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold— Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.… John 1: 44-46

20Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. 21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,… Romans 3: 20-22

9Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.… Zechariah 9: 9-10

10Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 11On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.… Zechariah 12: 10-11

Vs. 15-16 Having a hope in God, for which these men are waiting - They want a Messiah, and Paul already has a relationship with Him. Jesus didn't come the way men would naturally want, especially since in our falleness we do not see ourselves as so detestable as to need a Savior. Jesus will return as a Lion, but in His first advent He fulfilled being the Lamb of God. 

…4Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. 5But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.… Isaiah 53: 4-6

Vs. 17-21 For the resurrection of the dead - The high priest is a Sadducee so he would not believe in this, and it led to some contention over an old debate between the Sad house and the Pharisees. The Pharisees, though doctrinally more sound, still didn't recognize the Messiah when He came. 

…19Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead. 20Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. 21For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain.… Isaiah 26: 19-21

Vs. 22-23 Having a more accurate knowledge about the Way - He puts them off, which indicates that his experiences with the Way, which these Jews are calling a sect or cult, have not been offensive. Let your enemies be the screaming lunatics, chanting and repeating themselves, but you just tell the truth and trust God's providence. Felix doesn't seem to be one to make much of a decision, more of a reed than an oak, but at least he allows Paul to see his friends while they wait for the commanders testimony. 

But Felix, having a more exact (akribos) knowledge about the Way - More exact or more accurate than who or what? In context probably more accurate than the Jews in general but specifically the members of the Sanhedrin who were in the courtroom and through Tertullus were bringing the case against Paul for being a leader of the Way. If they had really had exact knowledge about the Way, they would not have persecuted the leader of the Way! Felix a pagan ruler knew more accurately about Christianity than the so-called religious leaders! How did Felix acquire this information? Luke does not say but we know that Philip the Evangelist lived in Caesarea and that there was a church in the city, so presumably from one or both of these sources. Drusila as a Jewess may have obtained some true knowledge of the way. - PA

Vs. 24-27 Heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus - Paul got to have a ministry wherever he went, here he shares with the governor and his wife. Sadly, when he spoke the whole counsel of God, about righteousness, self control, and God's coming judgment, Felix was scared off. Self control is a fruit of the spirit, and the unrepentant heart, though afraid, will not seek the remedy, but will often choose to run, close their ears or kill the messenger. Felix does not live a life of righteous restraint.

…3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 4Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.… 1 Peter 4: 3-5

11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.… Hebrews 4: 11-13

Marvin Vincent notes that these are "Three topics which bore directly upon the character of Felix. Tacitus says of him that he “exercised the authority of a king with the spirit of a slave;” and that, by reason of the powerful influence at his command, “he supposed he might perpetrate with impunity every kind of villany.” He had persuaded his wife Drusilla to forsake her husband and marry him. He had employed assassins to murder the high-priest Jonathan, and might well tremble at the preaching of the judgment to come. Temperance ( ἐγκράτεια ) is, properly, self-control; holding the passions in hand.

As Steven Cole says "The verb translated “discussing” means “to reason with.” Paul didn’t bypass their minds and go for heartwarming stories. He appealed through their minds to their consciences. The gospel should make people think, convicting their consciences, leading to a rational decision to trust in Christ. An emotional appeal that bypasses the mind may get decisions, but they will be flimsy, at best." (Sermon) - PA

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#1608 Acts 23 Part 3 Entourage

 

23 And when he called to him two of the centurions, he said, “Make ready two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to proceed to Caesarea by the third hour of the night, 24 and provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter having this form:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings.

27 “When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

28 And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin;

29 and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment.

30 “And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to speak against him before you.”

31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33 When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. Acts 23: 23-35 LSB

Acts 23: 23-35

V. 23 Two Centurions - Men over a hundred men each, like century is a hundred years. He is putting together a rather large group of men, including horsemen, so this enables him to send people ahead and also surround Paul with a multitude, making it very difficult for his would be assassins to reach him. They are probably getting weak from hunger at this point as well, but this commander, Lysias, is not taking any chances. The threat is very real so he is exercising precautions first in keeping everyone quiet about their movement, and secondly, being prepared if someone does have loose lips that announce this plan to the wrong people. Centurions were men who could be trusted with great levels of responsibility, who could lead even under fire. I am reminded of Jesus' encounter with another centurion.

5 And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus *said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not good enough for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this man, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; 12 but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment. Matthew 8: 5-13

Vs. 24-25 Mounts to put Paul on - This was probably pretty first class compared to the way Paul usually travelled. 

They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor - The idea was not just security (470 soldiers) but speed. The Romans provide a horse for Paul to ride to Caesarea. "Ahead of him, before he even came to Rome, lay two years of confinement in Caesarea. And after he arrived at Rome he was a prisoner there at least another three years....But ahead there are two lonely years of waiting in Caesarea, during which nothing is recorded of his ministry. I am sure he had a ministry during that time, but there is no account of it in the Scriptures. " (Stedman)

Andrews on Felix - History tells us that Marcus Antonius Felix was not a good man. Felix was appointed as governor of the province of Judea in 52 A.D and there he reigned for seven years. He owed his high standing in the Roman government of his brother Pallas who had great influence during the reign if the Roman Emperor Claudius. Felix was a cruel man who reigned with an iron fist. (Ibid) - PA

Vs. 26-27 Having learned that he was a Roman - He left out the part about almost flogging him, but to his credit he is really trying to make up for it and get Paul to the governor safely. 

Vs. 28-29 No accusation deserving death or imprisonment - It was a theological disagreement, and often accompanied by false accusations. It is as often a case of Who is this Christ that Paul keeps going on about? Rome held the power of the death penalty, and it could not be a light thing when dealing with a citizen. 

13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, 14or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. 15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.… 1 Peter 2: 13-15

V. 30 A plot against the man - Rome had to govern and protect it's citizens against terrorism and mob rule. These 40 men had taken a vow not to eat until they had killed Paul, but God tells Paul beforehand that he will go to Rome, that it's not over yet, so this chapter has been a huge study on the working out of all these things, the providence of God. 40 come against him but now he is being escorted by 470. 

Vs. 31-35 From Cilicia - Interesting historical note because this would effect the how and where Paul was to be tried. 

Ray Stedman notes that "There were two kinds of provinces in the Roman Empire: There were those under the control of the Roman senate, and those which reported to the emperor (See map from 117 AD of these two types of provinces - note Cilicia just above the island of Cyprus) -- the imperial provinces. He learns that Paul is from Cilicia which, like Judea, is an imperial province under the direct control of the emperor himself, responsible to him. And so the steps are being laid, as God is operating behind the scenes to pave the way, for bringing Paul and the emperor, Nero, face to face. God is going to accomplish it his way." These are his wheels within wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21) by which he manipulates human history. It might not look as if God were involved at all, and yet all these incidents are occurring at his command, accomplishing his purposes. The striking thing from this part of the story is that God has no trouble handling history. That is no problem. He can work out his will through human events without any difficulty whatsoever. Even stubborn, obstinate, resistant, rebellious people can be used by God to bring people to where he wants them and to do what he wants done. But what gives him grief and heartache is when his own people resist his will and stubbornly determine to have something which God has said it is not time for yet. They are the ones who halt and limit the program of God. As long as the hearts of his people are right, before him, he has no difficulty. It is only when, because of an overwhelming desire for our own way, we step out of his purposes that we find ourselves in conflict with the movement of history and, like the apostle, suffer hurt and limitation as a result. And, you know, since I have been studying this through, I have to tell you that every day I must say to myself, "Look, Stedman, you can fall, too. You can miss God's will. You can get so intent on something that you think is right, and press and push for it so hard, that you too can miss the will of God." My heart's cry is that God will keep me from that. And I hope that you are praying that way, too. Be alert, be sensitive to the warning of the Holy Spirit, so that you may always walk in his purposes. (Acts 22:30-23:35 Love That Never Lets Go) - PA

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#1607 Acts 23 Part 2 Son Of Providence

 

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander.

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” Acts 23: 12-22 LSB

Acts 23: 12-22

Vs. 12-14 Neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul - Not just a hunger strike, but a conspiracy to murder. It sounds great at the time, when you're all drunk on rage and boasting with your buddies, yeah, we are going to this thing, make a pact, and possibly starve to death or look really stupid. Humans love ceremony and symbolism, but don't be confused, that stuff doesn't make what you are doing right or wise. The Bible speaks to this and these Jewish men would know that. People swear all the time, and in a day and age when words have lost meaning because truth is no longer esteemed, we forget that the One Who spoke the world into existence puts a premium upon words, saying, "thou shalt not lie" as in Leviticus 19, or "bear false witness" in Exodus 20. 

1Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” 3And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,… 1 Kings 19: 1-3

…28Nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. 29No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death. Leviticus 27: 28-29

24Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. 25Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground.…

…26And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. 28Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the troops with a solemn oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’ That is why the people are faint.”… 1 Samuel 14: 24-28

33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.… Matthew 5: 33-35

v. 15 On the pretext of wanting more accurate information - So they went to the Sanhedrin which would be like the Jewish Supreme Court, only this was under the time of Roman rule and Paul is a Roman citizen, so they are outside of their jurisdiction. This is how bad they hated Paul, 40 men, and now bringing in the religious rulers. They have lost their minds, and must be getting hungry now, so they seek help to speed up the process. 

Longenecker - They pledged that they would kill him as he was brought from the Fortress of Antonia north of the temple to the hall of the Sanhedrin southwest of the temple area. (Ibid)

Jack Arnold - The fact that God uses evil men does not mean that men are robots. Men are always responsible for their evil actions and attitudes. God’s providence governs man but it governs him in such a way that man is not robbed of the degree of liberty necessary for him to remain responsible for his own actions. God's plan includes the evil actions of men and yet in such a way that He is not responsible for the evil. Men are responsible for their evil and they are held accountable, but all this never occurs outside God's secret will. This is a very hard concept to understand, but the Bible illustrates it best of all for us from the life of Joseph. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery which was a very evil act. Years later, after God used that evil as a stepping stone to make Joseph Pharaoh's right hand man, Joseph could say, “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:20). - PA

Vs. 16-19 But when the son of Paul's sister heard this plot - This is some fascinating information, that Paul had family still alive, that they were this close to the Sanhedrin; very providential. Did his nephew become a believer or was he just sane enough to realize this was over the top? Awe, so many questions this brings up, but I can't find the answers.

Jack Andrews - No matter how hard the men tried, how much the men connived, the plans of men cannot override the providence of God. St. Augustine wrote, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence. (Ibid)

But - And what a term of contrast this is! God just happens to have the son of Paul's sister within earshot of the discussion of the plot to kill Paul! Talk about coincidence! God is behind all "coincidences" in our life!

The son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush - Luke does not tell us where this young man overheard the plot, but presumably they are still in the council chambers. God makes sure that he hears the details of the plot. - PA

18Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 20And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”… 1 Corinthians 3: 18-20

Vs. 20-22 Don't tell anyone that you have reported this to me - I have seen men plot before and it not go according to plan. I also leave room here for grace because some have plotted and then changed their minds, and even come to respect the person they initially hated. 

MacArthur - If the conspirators realized their plot had been uncovered, they would undoubtedly have abandoned it and formulated another. And if that one were not discovered, Lysias reasoned, Paul might be killed. Further, if the Jews did not know that he knew of the plot, they could not question his motives for sending Paul to Caesarea. (Ibid) - PA

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#1606 Acts 23 Part 1 A Good Conscience

 

Now Paul, looking intently at the Sanhedrin, said, “Brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4 But those standing nearby said, “Do you revile the high priest of God?” 5 And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

6 But knowing that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7 As he said this, there was dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 And there occurred a great outcry; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 And as a great dissension was developing, because the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them, he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

11 But on that very night, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly borne witness to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome also.” Acts 23: 1-11 LSB

Acts 23: 1-11

V. 1 Brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God up to this day - He doesn't say he has never done anything wrong, but has confessed that in his testimony, that he killed Christians in the name of God, in ignorance. These men would like to do the same to him. It says that love covers a multitude of sins, but it doesn't say, covers up. Paul is very open in his testimony, and it keeps him humble and grounded. Too often we desire to be held high by people, in their words and thoughts, to appear to have lived a good life, but if we don't see and confess our sin, then it is not in good conscience. He calls them brothers, since they are that after the flesh. We need to get to the point that we realize this about all of humanity, we all come from Adam and Eve, but he has this special bond with the Jews, this heritage of the law and the prophets. It was from this people that Messiah was promised and came, first to die and later to reign. Paul isn't saying this from pride, not at all, his strength actually came from humility.

…8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. 9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.…

11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.… 1 Corinthians 15: 8-13

…8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.… 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10

V. 2 Strike him on the mouth - I have started a lot of fights with my mouth, but usually saying something much more egregious. People who sit in the seat of judgment, wearing the clothes that give the appearance of holiness, usually can't take much of the truth. They lash out or feign injury. Paul is calling Ananias a hypocrite.

The high priest (archiereus) Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth - So much for the idea of innocent until proven guilty! As Knowling says Ananias' "act was illegal and peculiarly offensive to a Jew at the hands of a Jew." The high priest's action reminds us of a similar response to Jesus "When He had said this (Jn 18:20,21), one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?”" (John 18:22)

I like what Joseph Parker said "But goodness always awakens wickedness. The man presiding over the council was the embodiment of every crime that could defile personal character and debase official dignity. Josephus paints his portrait, and the portrait is one mass of darkness, and no later historian has ventured to add one touch of light to the infinite density. Hearing a man claim a good conscience, he was reminded of his own evil career; and we often seek to make ourselves virtuous by punishing what we believe to be, or apparently conceive to be, the claim of any other man to a good standing and spotless reputation. "Ananias commanded them that stood by Paul to smite him on the mouth." That is the only thing the bad man can do. He has no other shot in his locker; he can only strike, abuse, defame, and cause the innocent to suffer. It is the least power—it is not power; it is the weakness of fury and the fury of weakness." (People's Commentary - Acts) (Bold added)

William Barclay explains that "When the high priest ordered Paul to be struck, he himself was transgressing the Law, which said, "He who strikes the cheek of an Israelite, strikes, as it were, the glory of God." - Precept Austin

V. 3 You white washed wall - Paul addresses the fact that this man is about appearance, but his insides are rotten, decaying. 

…27Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.… Matthew 23: 27-29

…24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. 25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.… Matthew 23: 24-26

More on Matthew 23

Vs. 4-5 You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people - It's not that rulers can't be wicked; this is no covering for their actions, but when the wicked rule it was a sign of judgement on the people. God will hold them accountable, no one can live long enough in this life to make it worth what they will face in eternity. 

28You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. Exodus 22: 28

20Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech. Ecclesiastes 10: 20

1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 3This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,… 1 Timothy 2: 1-3

Vs. 6 - 8 I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead - He went about preaching Christ, Whom they had killed and buried in a tomb, but now he claims that He is risen. It is an interesting move, because though they are in unity against Paul, they are actually quite divided in their theology. The Sadducees are much like the liberal church today. They were in love with the things of this world, the ideologies, Greek thought, and like so many today, when the culture says this is what it means to be intellectual, well then who doesn't want to sit at that table? "Only an idiot would believe in the resurrection," though there is this whole miracle of existence that they are a part of without their own doing or comprehending. The Pharisees were more reformed in a sense, yet they missed the coming of the Holy and righteous One. Both were legalist in there own rights, saved by relation to Abraham or by the way they kept the law according to their own interpretation. 

23 On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and asked Him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother as next of kin shall marry his wife and raise up a seed for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no seed, he left his wife to his brother; 26 so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. 27 And last of all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.”

29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” 33 And when the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. Matthew 22: 23-33

…13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact.… Acts 3: 13-15

Vs. 9-10 We find nothing wrong with this man - Well plaid. The Sadducees hate him because he is a disciple of Christ, and they hated Christ because he interfered with their commerce, flipping over the tables in the temple, and accusing them of stealing widow's houses. The Pharisees weren't in love with him because he questioned their idea of salvation. They knew there was going to be a resurrection, but they assumed that by following a system of works, based somewhat on the law, that they would be found worthy by their endeavors. They added so much stupid stuff to the law, to the point that they could only walk so many feet, and God even allowed for acts of mercy on the Sabbath, but they used the Sabbath as an excuse to not do that unless it benefited them. Paul has sewn some uncertainty here, and now they are reminded of their hatred for each other as well. 

Jack Arnold - Just these few simple words about resurrection triggered a tumultuous argument between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Pharisees would not admit that Paul saw the resurrected Christ but they attributed his experience to a supernatural event in which a spirit or an angel appeared to him. Note again God's providential care for Paul. Just a few words were used by God to cause a fight which in turn divided the Sanhedrin which just a few minutes before was solidly against the Apostle Paul. God just laughs at the plans and purposes of puny men and uses the most simple things to bring about His purposes. “The wicked plots against the righteous, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him; for He sees his day coming” (Psalm 37:12, 13). God uses the smallest, insignificant things to accomplish His purposes. Esther and the Jews were saved in the Book of Esther because the King had insomnia. Because he couldn't sleep, he called for the records and found that nothing had been done for Mordecai. Out of royal insomnia arose the deliverance of the Jewish people. Moses' tears as a baby awakened sympathy in Pharaoh's daughter and the Jewish nation was preserved and led out of the land of Egypt. - PA

V. 11 So you must bear witness at Rome also - This is God's way of letting Paul know that this is not the end yet, it's getting close, but he must stand and be judged one more time by man before he is called home. Paul fought against his own self to insure that he did not have a seared conscience, as Luther said, "my conscience is held captive by the word of God."

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#1605 Acts 22 Part 2 Flogging Citizens

 

22 And they were listening to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their garments and tossing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by flogging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25 But when they stretched him out with leather straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26 And when the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported to him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27 And the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 And the commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I have been born a citizen.” 29 Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately withdrew from him; and the commander also was afraid when he learned that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Paul Before the Sanhedrin

30 But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them. Acts 22: 22-30 LSB

Acts 22: 22-30 LSB

V. 22 They were listening to him up to this statement - His previous statement was towards the end of his testimony, or at least where they cut him off. He stated that God had sent him to minister to the gentiles, and apparently that was a bridge too far. The Jews did not think much of the Gentiles, wanted the time of Gentile rule to be over, but here is a Jew, Paul, who has met Christ, being a light to the Gentile nations. He is well versed in the Old Testament as well, and could easily show that this was God's intent all along, that Israel was to be a light to the other nations. Paul isn't preaching or bearing testimony to anything that God, through Holy Scripture, has not attested to already. Everything in Jewish tradition, from the sacrificial ordinances, the layout of the temple, the prophets and their genealogies, all pointed to Christ, the deliverer received by faith. 

Barton - They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles, telling them about the one true God, but they had renounced that mission by becoming separatist and exclusive. Did the Jews hate the Gentiles? No. Continual efforts were made by the Jews to try to convert the Gentiles. The implications of Paul's testimony and Christian gospel were clear, however. He was suggesting that the Gentiles could be saved and made right with God without first subscribing to the law and submitting to Jewish circumcision. In effect, Paul was claiming divine approval for the idea that Jews and Gentiles could have equal standing before God. This message collided head-on with the blindness, pride, and prejudice of the Jews. The results were explosive. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) - Precept Austin

…5This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it: 6“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, 7to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.… Isaiah 42: 5-7

…5And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him—for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength— 6He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” 7Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”… Isaiah 49: 5-7

…17I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. 18And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22: 17-18

V. 22b Away with such a fellow from the earth - Seems a bit harsh, but once people are emotionally charged and set upon hate, they lose regard for human life. Paul could relate to this as Saul, and that was part of the testimony that he just gave. There is zero tolerance here.

V. 23 As they were crying out, and throwing off their garments - An emotional tactic to show just how disturbed they were by this man's existence, much like toddlers when you don't buy them that piece of candy at the checkout. I am not saying that they weren't really mad, I am quite certain they felt anger, but it was not righteous as they would suppose. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self control.

John MacArthur has an interesting thought on what their angry actions represented - Some people would say, “Well, that was just fury, and they were throwing dirt and throwing – you know, like they were mad.” No, I don’t think so. I think they had a very specific purpose. You say, “What do you mean?” Well, you know, I was reading about casting off their clothes, and my mind went back to Acts 22:20, and it says that when Stephen was stoned, Paul was "watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him." You know, whenever they stoned somebody, apparently they took off their outer garment so they could really let the rocks fly. And I think what they were going to do was stone Paul; and since he was clear up at the top of the stairs, it was a long shot. And they started throwing off their outer garments, you see, but they threw dirt. You know why they threw dirt? There weren’t any rocks. They grabbed whatever there was: dirt clods instead of stones. I think they were going to stone him. They were so infuriated. They were in a frenzy, and they began to grab dirt and throw dirt, and threw their clothes off so they could throw it far enough to hit him. What a scene. Can you see how totally stupid and totally irrational they are? All of the logic of Paul’s presentation means nothing. All he does is mention the word “Gentiles” and they go nuts. That’s religious prejudice. - PA

V. 24 Examined by flogging - It's a crazy interrogation method, beat me and then ask me questions. This probably led to many false confessions. 

Robertson on anetazo - Milligan and Moulton's Vocabulary quotes an Oxyrhynchus papyrus of A.D. 127 which has a prefect using the word directing government clerks to "examine" (anetazein) documents and glue them together into volumes (tomoi). The word was evidently in use for such purposes. It was a kind of "third degree" applied to Paul by the use of scourges (mastixin), instrumental plural of mastix, old word for whip, as in Hebrews 11:36. But this way of beginning an inquiry by torture (inquisition) was contrary to Roman law (Page): Non esse a tormentis incipiendum, Divus Augustus statuit.

MacArthur - Scourging by the Roman flagellum (a wooden handle to which were attached leather thongs tipped with bits of metal and bone) was a fearful ordeal from which men frequently died (from loss of blood or infection). Jesus endured it before His crucifixion (John 19:1). Such a beating would have surpassed anything Paul had previously experienced. In preparation, the guards stretched him out with thongs to make his body taut and magnify the effects of the flagellation. (Ibid) - PA

V. 25 When they stretched him out with leather straps - This makes your back come tight and the blows tear deeper into the muscle. If you were a skinny fellow it may expose bone, and being stretched out would go against your bodies response to contract at the pain. Jesus experienced this before the cross. 

V. 25b Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned - Paul knew the law, and sometimes we have to appeal to those who are in authority by way of their own creed. At work I have had to appeal to my companies "Core Values", of honesty, trust and integrity, basically demonstrating that they are outside of this, or they are trying to terminate someone by way of the letter, not understanding the spirit of the law. Amongst fellow believers Paul can appeal to God's word, even when speaking to his Jewish brethren according to the flesh. Sadly, Paul looks like the bad guy here because you have a majority, the mob, throwing a temper tantrum and sighting him as the reason. Again, sadly, in Western Christianity, the person who points out that someone is teaching things that are unsound, or even worse, another gospel, often gets reviled by the crowd, in the name of unity. True brotherly love and compassion would not leave the person unconfronted regarding their error, and it would hope for the sort of unity that comes when we all return to the truth. Our disagreements must be sorted out in Scripture. These Jews are not allowing Paul that grace, and they are the majority, they are louder, but they are wrong. These are not noble Bereans; they are blood thirsty, and they are the actual cause of disunity in that they have not received Christ or His messengers. Paul then moves his appeal to Roman law, for it was a crime to do this to a Roman citizen, which he was. 

Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned - By the Roman law, no magistrate was allowed to punish a Roman citizen capitally, or by inflicting stripes, or even binding him; and the single expression, "I am a Roman citizen," arrested their severest decrees, and obtained, if not an escape, at least a delay of his punishment. - PA

V. 26 This man is a Roman - The commander was being lazy here, trying to pacify the mob. It may seem like the easier rout, but it often doesn't obtain justice when we side with the squeaky wheel. 

MacArthur - To subject a Roman citizen to the flagellum could have destroyed Lysias's military career or even cost him his life. (Ibid) - PA

Vs. 27-28 But I have been born a citizen - Paul didn't have to purchase his. He was born a citizen, and we can see here what a great perk that is, and God's providential hand in getting Paul so far along against such great odds. 

F F Bruce comments - “Something of this sort may have been in the tribune’s mind as he said, It cost me a very large sum of money to obtain Roman citizenship – the implication being that the privilege must have become cheap of late if such a sorry-looking figure as Paul could claim it.”

Longenecker - “The verbal claim to Roman citizenship was accepted at face value; penalties for falsifying documents and making false claims of citizenship were exceedingly stiff – Epictetus speaks of death for such acts.”

John Phillips wrote, “There are times for a believer to claim his civil rights. A believer should be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ, but there is no virtue in suffering merely for suffering’s sake.” (Exploring Acts)

Vs. 29-30 Because he had bound him - He had already overstepped his authority, though unbeknownst. 

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