Sunday School Lessons: Acts 23

Lesson 27

Acts 23

Paul before the Sanhedrin

Paul transferred to Caesarea

Read vs. 1-2

Review the make-up of the Sanhedrin

High Priest

Council

Elders

Sadducees

Pharisees

Ananias was the High Priest AD 48-59. (This is not the same Ananias of Acts 9)

Paul began by declaring that his conscience is clear before God. Ananias is enraged by this and calls for Paul to be striken in the mouth.

Read vs. 3-4

Paul calles him a whitewashed wall. It was customary at that time to whitewash tombs—this is a strong statement concerning Paul’s opinion of Ananias’ spiritual condition. (Looks fine on the outside but dead on the inside)

Read Matthew 23: 27-27 (Jesus’ woes upon the Pharisees)

Vs. 3 The prist is supposed to judge “according to the Law.” According to the law, there must be a trial and a verdict (define) before any punishment

Read vs. 4-5 and Romans 13:7

Paul knows better than to revile the High Priest. He didn’t know it was the High Priest he was speaking to (poor eyesight, confusion, crowded room) Notice what he does when he realizes—(quotes scripture) Notice, too, that he softens his words by calling them “brethren.”

Read vs. 6-7

Sadducess denied resurrection, angels and spirits

Pharisees affirmed (believed in) resurrection, angels and spirits

Read Matthew 22:23-32

This makes for a divided council (politically and religiously)

Paul uses the division to futher his defense. He brings up a theological issue (resurrection in general, not only Christ’s resurrection)

Read vs. 7-9

Apparently, there were many observers because it mentions a multitude. The scribes come in on the side of the Pharisees, who support Paul (Paul was a Pharisees and is “one of their own”). They say, “let us not fight against God”—an important statement.

Read vs. 10

This time Luke says “a great cry” rather than his usual understatement such as “no small cry.” Usually Luke uses understatement, but not this time! This is possibly the time in which Paul was in the most immediate danger. They were ready to pull Paul apart! Again, the Roman captain sends soldiers in to rescue Paul.

Read vs. 11

Jesus appears to Paul and “stands by him.” He says, “be glad Paul—you have done what I asked in Jerusalem, now I’m sending you to Rome.”

This vision proves a couple of important things:

--God’s will for Paul had been done in Jerusalem

--it was God’s will that Paul go on to Rome

--Paul would certainly have opportunity for the Gospel in Rome

Read vs. 12-15 re: the conspiracy (plot) against Paul

The plot:

--more than 40 men

--the chief priests and elders knew about it

--they bound themselves under a curse (vow). They did not curse Paul—the curse was on themselves not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.

--the set up: get the council to call him in again (saying they had a question) and kill him on his way there. (review vs. 11, God’s will)

Read vs. 16-18

Paul’s nephew learns of the plot and goes to Paul. Paul asks for his nephew to see the chief captain, which was his right as a Roman citizen.

Read vs. 19-22

Paul’s nephew tells what he knows and the captain tells him not to let anyone know that he now knows of the plot.

Paul was trusting God, but even so, he told the Roman chief about the plot and was given full protection. Does this show a lack of faith on Paul’s part? No, this is not a lack of faith. God provides the means to accomplish His will and expects us to trust Him and use the means that he has given us.

Read vs. 23-24

Paul was sent to Caesarea guarded by 200 soldiers, 70 mounted soldiers, and 200 spearmen at the third hour of the night. He was moved in secret, but not without full protection.

Read vs. 25-26

The Roman chief sends a letter to Felix, the governor. Note: names were placed at the beginning of letters in those days)

Read vs. 27 He begins by making it clear that Paul is a Roman citizen.

Read vs. 28-29

The chief, Claudias Lysias, lets them know that according to Roman law, Paul was not guilty of death or imprisonment.

Read vs. 30

He let them know that therse was a plot against Paul’s life and that he had commanded that they give an account (not Paul) (turned tables on the conspirators)

Read vs. 31-end of chapter

When they got to Caesarea, they delivered Paul along with Lysias’ letter to Felix, the governor of the region.

Felix asks Paul where he came from. Why? (confirm his status as a Roman citizen)—he will hear him when his accusers get there.

*These lessons are written for use with elementary aged students.  You can find lessons for previous chapters here.