#BIBLELESSON. EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH. ACTS 23, WHEN YOU'RE ASKED TO SPEAK



6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
Acts 23:6-7
Paul’s been brought before the Sanhedrin.
  • This is the group that sent him out to arrest and/or kill Christians over twenty years earlier.
  • This time, they are not his friends, and he’s no friend of theirs.

The tone of this meeting started biased against Paul.
It’s worse at this moment since Paul insulted the High Priest in verse 3.

God called Paul to this place at this time, so despite advice to avoid Jerusalem from several traveling companions, Paul single-mindedly arrived in Jerusalem just days before.

Paul knows God wants him to go to Rome and witness there.
This situation could prevent that.

So, Paul pits the two factions of the Jewish religious experts against each other.
They turn their focus to fighting each other allowing the Romans to whisk Paul away from the volatile situation.

What’s the point?
Sometimes someone needs to say something.

In this case, Paul knew his audience and chose his words carefully. 
There are times in life when you need to speak up
  • In opposition to an act or an accusation
  • In favor of an unpopular but ethical situation
  • In defense of someone being falsely accused or taken advantage of
  • To support a Biblical minority opinion.

Next time you find yourself in a tense situation, say a prayer asking God if and how you need to respond.

If you’re led to respond, speak boldly the truth you know.

Remember, God is on your side.

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