Paul before the Sanhedrin

1Then Paul directing himself to the council, thus said, "hitherto I have liv'd strictly conscientious, as God knows." 2at which the high priest Ananias order'd those that were near him to strike him on the face: 3which made Paul say, "may God strike thee, thou plaister'd wall: you sit to judge me according to law, and in defiance of the law you order me to be struck!" 4what, said the standers-by, do you revile the high priest of God? 5Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest, it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."

6But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead." 7at these words the Pharisees and the Sadducees were all in confusion, the whole assembly being divided: 8for the Sadducees maintain, there is neither resurrection, nor angel, or spirit, whereas the Pharisees acknowledge both: the clamour was great, 9and the Scribes taking part with the Pharisees, grew warm in the debate, and said, "we find no harm in this man; perhaps a spirit or an angel has spoke to him." 10but the tumult growing worse, the tribune apprehensive that Paul might be torn to pieces among them, order'd detachment to secure him by force of arms, and bring him to the castle.

11The night following, the Lord appear'd to him, and said, Paul, take courage; for the same remonstrances that you have made concerning me at Jerusalem, you must likewise make at Rome.

The Plot to Kill Paul
(John 16:1–4)

12when it was day, some Jews, that had form'd a conspiracy, engag'd themselves by an oath, not to eat, or drink, till they had kill'd Paul. 13the conspirators, who were above forty in number, 14went to the chief priests and senators, and said, "we have bound our selves by oath not to eat till we have slain Paul. 15if you will move it then to the tribune in the name of the Sanhedrim, to send him here to-morrow, under colour of examining his affair with more solemnity, we shall take care to dispatch him, and make a short end of his journey."

16Paul's sister's son hearing of the ambuscade, went to the castle, and being admitted, told Paul; 17who having sent for one of the centurions, said, introduce this young man to the tribune, for he has something to communicate to him. 18accordingly he went along with him, and having introduc'd him to the tribune, he said, Paul, who is in custody sent for me, and desired me to introduce this young man, who has something to tell you. 19then the tribune taking him by the hand, retir'd with him in private, and ask'd, what he had to say. 20the Jews, said he, have agreed to desire you would send Paul down to-morrow to the council, under the pretext of examining him more strictly. 21but don't believe them: for above forty of them lie in ambush, having bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink till they have kill'd him: they are already prepar'd, and only wait your answer. 22then the tribune dismiss'd the youth with this charge, don't tell any one, that you have given me this information.

Paul Sent to Felix

23then calling two of his centurions, draw out, said he, two hundred foot, seventy horse, and two hundred archers, ready to march to Cesarea by the third hour of the night: 24let them take care to see Paul mounted, and convoy him safe to governour Felix. 25at the same time he writ a letter to Felix to this purport.

26CLAUDIUS LYSIAS to the most excellent governour FELIX wishes health.

27The Jews having seiz'd this man, were just upon the point to dispatch him, when I march'd with a body to his rescue; 28having been informed he was a Roman, I had him brought before their Sanhedrim, to hear what crime they laid to his charge. 29but I found their accusation turned upon certain topics of their law, and contain'd nothing that was capital, or that deserv'd imprisonment:

30and having intelligence that the Jews had form'd a conspiracy against him, I immediately sent him to you, directing his accusers to lay their charge before you, farewel. 31The soldiers pursuant to order took Paul, and conducted him by night to Antipatris. 32on the morrow they march'd back to the castle, having left him to the custody of the horse: 33who upon their arrival at Cesarea, delivered the letter to the governour, and presented Paul to him. 34The governour having read the letter, ask'd Paul of what province he was, and being inform'd he was of Cilicia, you shall be heard, 35said he, when your accusers are come: and then order'd him to the guard-room at Herod's palace.