Acts 23 Study Guide

Family Study Guide for February 15, 2006 - Feburary 21, 2007
(Read Acts 23 Online)

Reflections on Acts 23 by Matt Chesner, Coach

Great political candidates not only know what they want to do if elected, but know how to control the debate. They can take any question and bring it back to the themes that they want to discuss or sometimes more importantly, to the issues that their opponents don't want to discuss. The gracefully take the conversation from one place to another to give themselves the advantage in their current situation. We often think of this as a negative, but we can see in Chapter 23 that Paul does this after being brought before the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.

Paul deflects criticism for a time by changing the issues that are being debated and turns some who oppose him into his allies. In Acts 23:6-9 Paul turns his accusers against each other by bringing up classic difference between the Sadducees and Pharisees. The Pharisees turn to support Paul based on the fact that he is a Pharisee. This seems like it may save him, but in the end Paul is rescued by the Roman authorities.

Paul sets an example for us that although we should not manipulate others for evil gain, it is OK to use the mind that God gave us in creative ways to get out of unjust situations.

Questions to Consider
- When have you been in a difficult situation where creative thinking did or could have saved you?
- Is Paul's example really a good one or is he setting a bad example?
- What groups in Modern Christianity might have these same type of issues?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 23
5. Paul before the Sanhedrin (22:30–23:10)
a. Confrontation with the High Priest (22:30–23:5)
b. Dispute over the Resurrection (23:6-10)
6. Night Vision of the Lord (23:11)
7. The Plot to Kill Paul (23:12-22)
a. The Plot by the Jews (23:12-15)
b. The Revelation to the Romans (23:16-22)
8. The Protection of the Romans (23:23-30)
a. Protection provided (23:23-24)
b. Cover-Letter Written (23:25-30)
E. Paul in Caesarea (23:31–26:32)
1. A Roman Escort to Caesarea (23:31-35)