Jun 07, 2015
Acts 22:30-23:24
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Acts 22:30, “The next day, because the commander wanted to know for certain why Paul was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.”
Acts 22 closes with the commander Claudius in a tough spot. After rescuing Paul from the Jewish mob he allows Paul to address to the mob hoping to ascertain as to the reason for the outburst. However, because Paul spoke to them in Hebrew instead of Greek this proved to be unhelpful which is why he decided to have him “examined under scourging.”
And yet, this plan also backfired when Claudius came to the realization that such techniques would carry with them severe, personal repercussions since Paul was a Roman citizen.
Now not only is Claudius still in the dark, but he needs to come up with a charge ASAP in order to justify the incarceration of a Roman citizen. His Solution: Bring Paul before the Sanhedrin hoping their exchange could shed light on what was clearly an explosive situation.
Acts 23:1, “Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
I love the way Luke sets the scene… “Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said…” This phrase “looking earnestly” is the Greek word “atenizô” meaning “to fix the eyes upon.” It’s the gaze you’d get from Dirty Harry before hearing… “Go ahead, make my day!”
Don't forget Paul had been a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. And while he knew their power and conniving (they had orchestrated Jesus’ execution and sanctioned Stephen’s stoning) he wanted them to know he would not be intimidated by them.
I can also image how the strength and conviction of Paul’s opening line reverberated through the room… “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” Not only is Paul affirming the sincerity of his actions, but he’s letting this ruling body know the true Judge had already ruled and found him innocent of any wrong doing.
Acts 23:2-3, “And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?”
Paul clearly has a low tolerance for blatant hypocrisy and he wants “the high priest Ananias” to know that while he stood in judgment of others God would stand in judgment of him!
Paul calls Ananias a “whitewashed wall” or literally a “whited wall” which was a reference to the Jewish custom of “whitewashing the entrances of their sepulchers as a warning against defilement by touching them.” Their outward appearance masked an inward corruption.
To validate the accusation of hypocrisy Paul immediately provides an example. He says, “For you sit to judge according to the law,” but “you command me to be struck contrary to the law?” Paul is basically highlighting the clear double-standard, “How can you be trusted to judge me according to the law when you aren’t even treating me according to the law?”
Acts 23:4-5, “And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
There are a few thoughts as to what’s happening here…
Some see Paul’s response as being a sort of pseudo-apology. They point to this exchange as being evidence that Paul’s overreacted to being struck on the face.
Others see Paul’s response as being the admission of an honest mistake. They point to this exchange as being evidence that if Paul had known Ananias was the high priest he wouldn’t have spoken to him the way he had. Some have theorized that on account of Paul’s poor eyesight maybe he couldn’t see who ordered him to be hit. Others claim it may be that Paul simply didn’t know Ananias was currently the high priest.
I, however, see Paul’s response as being a sarcastic way of further validating his previous point. I think Paul is further emphasizing the clear hypocrisy of the situation by making the point that he didn’t know Ananias was the high priest because no high priest would have acted in such a manner.
One of the mistakes scholars make when they attempt to explain Paul’s approach before the Sanhedrin is to assume Paul actually wanted to be there. If you remember the only reason he’s standing before the Sanhedrin was because Claudius was trying to figure out what Paul had done to insight the mob.
Personally, I believe while Paul may have desired to preach the Gospel to the Jews it had never been his intention to stand before the Sanhedrin. Paul knew he’d get nowhere with this group of men and it only took about 30 seconds to have this belief validated.
Acts 23:6, “But when Paul perceived that 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; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
Knowing his time before these men was already turning volatile Paul looks for a way out. To do this he divides his adversary into two camps before pitting them against each other.
We’re told “perceiving that one part” of the Sanhedrin was “Sadducees and the other Pharisees” Paul attributes the outrage people had towards him as being the direct result of his theological position “concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead.”
Note: The reason this tactic proved to be an effective strategy was that while the Pharisees believed in a future resurrection of the dead the Sadducees vehemently reject the notion.
Acts 23:7-10, “And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”
Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.”
Now before we get to verse 11 I think it’s important to first take a moment and address where Paul might have been emotionally as he’s being returned to “the barracks.”
While this has not been the first time Paul had ticked off a group of Jews now determined to kill him… Nor was this the first time he’d spent the night in jail uncertain of his fate… I am of the opinion that Paul finds himself in the darkest place of his Christian life.
As we’ve mentioned before… Months earlier the Holy Spirit had called Paul to head from Ephesus to Rome; however, Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem first. Over and over again Paul ignored the Spirit’s warnings and his trusted friends pleadings that he forgo his plan. Then from the moment he arrives not a single thing goes the way he’d hoped.
It’s my conviction that as Paul sat in this cell he knew he’d made a tragic misstep. He knew he’d been resisting the Spirit’s leading. He knew he should have been obedient and gone to Rome. I’m sure as he sat in this dark cell Paul’s heart was full of doubt and fear. For the first time he’s sitting in a cell of his own making and not one of the Spirit’s leading.
And I can imagine as many of us who’ve blown it know all to well Paul had to of wondered if he’d irreparably marred God’s plan for his life. Was this it? Had he messed it all up? Would God have any further use of him? Would he ever make it to Rome?
And it’s with these thoughts swirling through his head we’re told… Acts 23:11, “But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
Notice the first words out of Jesus’ mouth… “Be of good cheer, Paul!” Literally, Jesus is commanding Paul as he sits in this cell to “be encouraged!” But wait a second… What could Paul possibly be encouraged about? He was in a cell of his own making! He’d messed up! He failed! And yet, as we’re about to see, there were things Paul could take courage in!
Three realities that should encourage us in the midst of our failure.
1. Paul could be encouraged that even in his failure “the Lord stood by him!”
Consider we’re not told the “Lord came to Paul,” but that the “Lord stood by Paul.” It’s interesting but the Greek structure of this verse does not convey the idea that the presence of the Lord came to meet Paul in his time of failure, but that while in the midst of his failure Paul became more aware of the presence of the Lord. Stated another way… The activity of the verse does not imply that Jesus came to stand by Paul, but that Paul came to a renewed awareness that Jesus was standing by him.
Sadly, it would seem overwhelmed with his failure Paul (like many of us) had lost sight of an incredible reality… In Matthew 28:20 Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Then again He said in Hebrews 13:5 that He’d “never leave us nor forsake us.”
Friend, under the weight of failure may you open your eyes and see Jesus! Sure while all others may have left you to endure the cell of your own making alone not so with Jesus! He has not run from you. He has not turned His back on you. He’s not even disappointed in you. Instead, see! He’s still standing by you!
Do you see Him? For if you would set your eyes on Jesus you will see the permanent scars that bear your lasting forgiveness! And this should serve to remind you that even in failure “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
2. Paul could be encouraged that in light of his failure God’s grace was still sufficient!
I think the most powerful part of the entire exchange was that moment when Paul heard his name roll off the tongue of Jesus. Not only did it signify a personal relationship, but the sound itself had to of conjured up incredible emotions in the heart of Paul.
If you recall while on the road to Damascus (in full and complete rebellion against the Spirit’s conviction) Jesus appeared and said, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?”
Now fast-forward the scene some 25 years and what do we see… Paul has once again been acting contrary to the leading of the Spirit; and yet, in this instance, Jesus appears and delivers a dramatically different message, “Paul, be of good cheer!”
Upon hearing these words there is no doubt in my mind Paul would have immediately been reminded of two significant realities: (1) God no longer knew him as Saul, and (2) If Jesus’ grace had proven sufficient then, His grace could still prove sufficient now!
This morning if you’ve stepped in it and/or made a mess of it! If you’ve failed… Fallen short… Proved to all you’re a very able sinner… Understand, Jesus first words never convey disbelief or for that matter disappointment. Instead, Jesus speaks through the darkness to the heart mired in self-condemnation and says, “Be of good cheer!”
Friend, in the midst of his failure let me tell you what Paul didn’t need…
He didn’t need the law which would have only provided a deeper understanding of his shortcomings… No cheer in judgment only greater guilt!
He didn’t need religion which have only provided him with an insufficient mechanism to atone for his shortcomings… No cheer in penance only greater inadequacy!
The thing Paul needed and the only thing that can truly provide cheer to a person in the midst of failure is a greater understanding that God’s grace still proves sufficient!
What Paul needed most in the moment of failure was not the judgment of others or a set of penances by which he could prove himself again… What Paul needed was God’s grace!
Pastor Tullian Tchividjian has said, “Believe it or not, Christianity is not about good people getting better. If anything, it is good news for bad people coping with their failure to be good.”
Understand, the amazing thing about grace is that boldly declares from the highest mountain that my failures play no role in God’s favor. My failures don’t lessen Jesus’ love for me nor does my obedience deepen it! What the failed need more than anything else is a fresh sense of God’s love unlocked by a renewed understanding of God’s grace!
3. Paul could be encouraged that in spite of his failure Jesus still had a plan for his life.
In light of His grace please know Jesus is not afraid of your failures. As a matter of fact, it is very often that through your failure He is able to teach you more about His love, deepen your understanding of His grace, grow and mature your faith, even demonstrate His power to the world by working in-spite of you and not because of you.
As we’ve mentioned Jesus has this uncanny ability to be able to route our path to His ultimate destination even when we’ve taken a misguided detour.
I can imagine the incredible joy that swelled in Paul’s heart when he heard Jesus promise that even with everything that had happened “he would bear witness of Him in Rome!”
In Romans 8:28 Paul wrote, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” What this means is that in your failure you can be encouraged knowing that Jesus has promised for “those who love God” that He will “work together for the good… all things!” Even including your mistakes!
Before we continue I think it’s important we consider what Jesus doesn’t do in this situation. Think about the scene… You’re Paul in a cell of your own making worried you may have caused irreparable harm to God’s plan for your life. Then out of the blue Jesus appears with an encouraging word (He’s still standing by you, His grace is still sufficient for you, and His plans to send you to Rome have not been derailed).
Now if you’re Paul and Jesus has just appeared with this awesome exhortation what do you expect to happen next? You’re waiting for the earthquake to open the prison doors or you’re on the lookout for an angel sent to initiate the jail break. And yet, not only was Paul not freed, but his situation was about to take another turn for the worse.
Acts 23:12-24, “And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy.
They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.”
Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”
And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”
It would appear from the text that the plan had been for Paul to be held in Jerusalem until Claudius could find an appropriate resolution to this situation. Now that an assassination plot has been hatched by the Jews seeking to kill a Roman citizen under his protection, Claudius rightly concludes Paul would not be safe in Jerusalem.
The Plan: “Bring Paul safely to Felix the governor” who was residing in the city of Caesarea. To insure Paul’s safety Claudius prepares a detail of 470 Roman soldiers (200 footmen, 70 horsemen, 200 spearmen) and tells them to head out “the third hour of the night.”
In conclusion… Why did Jesus leave Paul in his cell?
1. In a practical sense I can’t help but consider the reason Paul was left in this cell when he had been freed from others boiled down to the reality this was a cell of his own making. The reality is that while Jesus can work in-spite of our mistakes He’ll often do so using the natural consequences.
Though Paul’s detour through Jerusalem would not change his ultimate destination (he would still make it to Rome) his disobedience would have an impact on the journey. As a consequence of his poor choices Paul would make the journey as a prisoner which, as we’ll see in the coming weeks, will bring its fair share of complications and difficulties.
2. In a universal sense we’re reminded that Jesus is often more interested in helping us through our circumstances than He is with providing a means of escape.
What makes this passage so important is that while Paul may have remained in prison (like may of us presently reside) we learn first hand how it is that Jesus helps us endure.
What did Jesus provide Paul in the midst of his trying circumstances? His Word! Jesus’ Word reminded Paul that He wasn’t alone. His Word encourage Paul that God’s grace was still sufficient. And His Word provided him with promises that God was in total control!
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