29 August 2018 – Acts 23:6-10 (NIV)
Scripture
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. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)
9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that 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.
Reflection
The Sanhedrin was both a political and religious governing body consisting of primarily two parties, Sadducees and Pharisees. As Paul stood before this council to explain what really happened on the day of the riot in the temple, he explains, “This is all about my belief in the resurrection”. This statement sets off a firestorm in the court because the Sadducees did not believe in resurrection or life after death and Pharisees did; keeping in mind they were all Jews. Paul says the one thing that was sure to divide the room! Paul and Luke (who is writing all of this down) want us to see that Christianity is not opposed to Jewish faith but the fulfillment of Jewish faith; we are closer than we know (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for someone you may know who is need of physical healing.