FocusResurrection and reassurance
Connection to the wholeThe hearing divides over resurrection, and the Lord's reassurance connects Paul's witness in Jerusalem with a future witness in Rome.
interpretation Acts 23:1
KJVAnd Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
Read it in context
Paul before the Sanhedrin and the Plot against Him
Start reading at Acts 22:30 (Acts 22:30 to Acts 23:35).
The passage begins with Paul being brought before the council, and the entire chapter details his appearance, the ensuing division, the plot against him, and his subsequent transfer to Caesarea.
- 22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
- 23:1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
- 23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
- 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
- 23:4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
- 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
- 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
- 23:7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
- 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
- 23:9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
- 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
- 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
- 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
- 23:13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
- 23:14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
- 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
- 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
- 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
- 23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
- 23:19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
- 23:20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
- 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
- 23:22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
- 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
- 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
- 23:25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:
- 23:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
- 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
- 23:28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
- 23:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
- 23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
- 23:31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
- 23:32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
- 23:33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
- 23:34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
- 23:35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 23:1–23:35): Paul addresses the council of chief priests, Sadducees, and Pharisees. His nephew reports a plot, and the Roman commander sends Paul under guard to Felix. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is Paul's defense before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), where he declares he has lived in all good conscience before God. This leads to the high priest Ananias commanding Paul to be smitten on the mouth, and Paul's subsequent response and perception of the council's division. stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Paul's integrity and commitment to a clear conscience, even in the face of unjust treatment by religious authorities. It also shows God's sovereign protection over Paul, as the Lord later appears to him to assure him of his future witness in Rome. stated in the text
- What is the literary style? The literary style of Acts is narrative history, recounting the events of the early church and the spread of the gospel. book background
When
- When was it written? The book of Acts was written approximately A.D. 62 to 64. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the book of Acts, including this passage, occurred between approximately A.D. 30 and 62. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? This event took place in Jerusalem, specifically before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin). stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Luke, traditionally wrote the book of Acts from Rome. traditionally held
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul before the Sanhedrin and the Plot against Him (Acts 22:30 to Acts 23:35). Start reading at Acts 22:30. The passage begins with Paul being brought before the council, and the entire chapter details his appearance, the ensuing division, the plot against him, and his subsequent transfer to Caesarea.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage is part of Paul's series of trials and imprisonments in Jerusalem, following his arrest in the temple. It demonstrates the intense opposition Paul faced from Jewish leaders and sets the stage for his eventual transfer to Caesarea and later to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's promise to him. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's unjust suffering and testimony before the religious authorities, despite his innocence and good conscience, mirrors Christ's own trials and suffering before the Sanhedrin. Paul's commitment to living with a good conscience before God reflects a life striving for righteousness, which is perfectly embodied and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should strive to live with a good conscience before God, seeking to maintain integrity and truthfulness, even when facing opposition, false accusations, or unjust treatment. It also reminds us that God is sovereign and will protect and guide His servants through difficult circumstances, fulfilling His purposes. interpretation
Cited: Acts 22:30, Acts 23:1, Acts 23:2, Acts 23:3, Acts 23:6, Acts 23:10, Acts 23:11, Acts 23:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- earnestly Acts 23:6 Acts 6:15 Acts 22:5 Prov 28:1
- Men Acts 22:1
- I have Acts 24:16 1 Cor 4:4 2 Cor 1:12 2 Cor 4:2 2 Tim 1:3 Heb 13:18 1 Pet 3:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 23
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The plot uncovered
Acts 23:12–22FocusA planned ambush
Connection to the wholeA conspiracy against Paul is disclosed through his nephew, prompting protective action by the Roman authorities.
interpretation Paul sent to Caesarea
Acts 23:23–35FocusCustody transferred
Connection to the wholeThe guarded transfer and accompanying letter move the case from Jerusalem to the governor's jurisdiction in Caesarea.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation The witness moves outward
Acts 8:1–12:25FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation Further journeys and growing churches
Acts 15:36–21:16FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.