God Works in the Circumstances
Acts 23
The Trial
Paul’s Fiery Spirit
It was a against the Jewish law to abuse a prisoner in custody
The high priest was Ananias. He had been made high priest in AD 47 and had ruled for a dozen years. He was one of the most mercenary men to bring dishonor to the once noble office. Even after when he was replaced from the office, he continued to use ‘mafia’ methods to get his way
The court was assembled in such a hurried fashion that Ananias was not able to get his ceremonial robes on, so he wasn’t clearly identified as the high priest.
Paul’s use of the word ‘whited’ has the idea of making a shaky wall look sound by whitewashing it.
Even though the priest was wrong, when Paul found he was the high priest he apologized and quoted Exodus 22:28 for his reason for doing so.
Paul’s Fleshly Strategy
The Rift
When Paul saw there were two groups, The Pharisees and Sadducees, he thought he would take advantage of the rift instead of defending himself as a Christian. In fact later he regretted doing that (24:21)
The Reaction
Immediately there was dissention with the group.
The Riot
The Pharisees then tried to protect Paul and the Sadducees tried to take Paul.
Paul was in danger of being pulled apart that the soldiers had to rescue Paul from his own trial
Afterwards Paul was probably depressed, fearful and discouraged by the events. Perhaps he was secretly hard on himself for the commotion he caused. He also was discouraged that his dream of going to Rome may not be realized
God encouraged Paul and let him know that Paul had not failed. The reproof of the high priest was long over due. God made it clear the Paul’s dream of coming to Rome was to be fulfilled
God was working all things together for good.
The Terrorist
Now the events switch to things that Paul had no control over.
Several of the Sadducees made a vow that they would not eat nor drink until they had killed Paul
As they were planning, Paul’s nephew heard their plans and reported it to the chief captain
The captain then wisely deferred Paul to a higher court. He knew the Jews would less likely riot and get out of control in Caesura, sixty miles away
He wrote a letter exonerating Paul and stated it wasn’t a matter of Roman law, but of Jewish law