Introduction
Paul appears before the Jewish council (v 1).
He divides them on the belief in resurrection causing a riot.
The next day some Jews plot to kill him.
Questions
1. How did Paul divide the council?
v 6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
2. Where did the Lord tell Paul he must go to testify?
v11 ... "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."
3. How many soldiers were sent to accompany Paul from Jerusalem to Antipatris under cover of darkness?
v 23 ... "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night."
(470 soldiers)
Summary Points
- v 1 to 10 Paul is brought before the Jewish council. After failing to recognise the high priest, he divides the Pharisees and Sadducees by preaching resurrection. He has to be rescued by soldiers as arguments break out in the council
- v 11 Paul is told that he must witness for Jesus in Rome
- v 12 to 35 The Jews’ plot to kill Paul is thwarted when Paul's nephew tells him about it. He is then taken to Caesarea under a large armed guard with a letter to the Roman governor Felix, so that he can hear the case