Courage and God’s Assurance

Acts 23:1–11 (NASB95) 

1Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4But the bystanders said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” 6But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. 11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” 

Paul’s trial before the Sanhedrin is a powerful example of courage, wisdom, and God’s sovereignty in the midst of opposition. As Paul begins his defense, he boldly declares that he has lived with a clear conscience before God. This statement immediately provokes the high priest, who orders Paul to be struck, an illegal and unjust act. Paul rebukes the high priest, exposing the hypocrisy of those who claim to uphold the law while violating it. Recognizing the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees in the council, Paul wisely declares his belief in the resurrection, a doctrine central to the Gospel and one that aligns him with the Pharisees. This strategic move divides the council, leading to chaos. In the midst of this turmoil, God reassures Paul through a vision, affirming that he will testify in Rome just as he has in Jerusalem. This moment highlights God’s faithfulness to His servants and His ability to use even the most difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes. 

Paul’s experience reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with hostility or injustice. His boldness in proclaiming the truth and his reliance on God’s guidance challenge us to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is always in control. As the modern church, we must remain faithful to the Gospel, using wisdom and courage to navigate opposition while trusting that God will accomplish His purposes through us. Let us also take comfort in knowing that, like Paul, we are never alone—God is with us, strengthening and guiding us every step of the way.