Acts 23:9
A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, "We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"
A great clamor arose
The phrase "a great clamor arose" indicates a significant uproar or commotion. The Greek word for "clamor" is "kraugē," which often denotes a loud outcry or tumult. This reflects the intense emotions and division among the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin, as they debated Paul's fate. Historically, the Sanhedrin was a powerful body in Jewish society, and such a disturbance underscores the contentious nature of Paul's message and the deep divisions it caused.

some of the scribes from the party of the Pharisees
The "scribes" were experts in the Jewish law, often associated with the Pharisees, a sect known for their strict adherence to the Torah and oral traditions. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, unlike the Sadducees, who denied these doctrines. This theological difference is crucial in understanding why the Pharisees might be more sympathetic to Paul's claims, as they align more closely with their beliefs.

got up and contended sharply
The action of "got up and contended sharply" suggests a vigorous defense or argument. The Greek word "diemachonto" implies a strong, forceful debate. This indicates that the Pharisees were not merely passive observers but actively engaged in defending Paul, possibly seeing him as an ally in their theological disputes with the Sadducees.

We find nothing wrong with this man
This declaration, "We find nothing wrong with this man," is significant as it shows a division within the Jewish leadership. The Pharisees, despite their differences with Paul, recognize no legal or theological basis for his condemnation. This echoes the theme of innocence found in other parts of Acts, where Roman officials also find no fault in Paul, highlighting the unjust nature of the accusations against him.

What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?
The question, "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" reflects the Pharisees' openness to supernatural experiences, which was a point of contention with the Sadducees. The Greek word for "spirit" is "pneuma," and "angel" is "angelos," both of which are integral to Pharisaic belief. This rhetorical question suggests that the Pharisees were willing to consider that Paul's experiences might be genuine divine communications, aligning with their belief in the spiritual realm.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
A central figure in the New Testament, Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish council consisting of Pharisees and Sadducees, responsible for religious and legal matters in Jerusalem.

3. Pharisees
A Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law and belief in the resurrection, angels, and spirits.

4. Sadducees
Another Jewish sect, often in opposition to the Pharisees, known for denying the resurrection, angels, and spirits.

5. Scribes of the Pharisees’ party
These were experts in the Law who sided with Paul during the trial, suggesting that he might have received a revelation from a spirit or an angel.
Teaching Points
The Power of Division
The division between the Pharisees and Sadducees shows how differing beliefs can be used strategically. Paul wisely uses this division to his advantage, teaching us to be discerning and wise in our interactions.

The Role of Conscience
The Pharisees' willingness to consider Paul's experience as possibly divine reminds us to keep an open heart to God's workings, even when they challenge our preconceived notions.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Despite the chaos and opposition, God’s purpose for Paul is being fulfilled. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

The Importance of Testimony
Paul's consistent testimony about his encounter with Christ serves as a powerful witness. We are reminded of the importance of sharing our personal experiences of God's work in our lives.

Unity in Essential Beliefs
The Pharisees and Sadducees' disagreement highlights the need for unity in essential Christian beliefs, such as the resurrection, while allowing for diversity in non-essential matters.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's strategic use of the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees demonstrate wisdom in handling opposition? Can you think of a situation where you might apply a similar strategy?

2. In what ways does the Pharisees' openness to the possibility of a divine message challenge us to remain open to God's voice today?

3. How can we find comfort in God's sovereignty when facing trials or opposition in our own lives?

4. Reflect on a time when your personal testimony of faith impacted someone else. How can you be more intentional in sharing your account?

5. What are some essential beliefs that should unite Christians today, and how can we maintain unity despite differences in other areas?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 22:6-10
Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, which is relevant to the Pharisees' suggestion that a spirit or angel might have spoken to him.

Matthew 22:23-33
Jesus' teaching on the resurrection, which highlights the theological differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Paul's teaching on the resurrection, which aligns with the Pharisaic belief and contrasts with the Sadducees' denial.
Paul Before the SanhedrimR.A. Redford Acts 23:1-10
A Good Conscience Towards GodStarke.Acts 23:1-11
Conscience in Review of the PastR. Stier, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Conscience not the Whole of Christian CharacterH. W. Beecher.Acts 23:1-11
Incidental CharacteristicsJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Judicial IncongruityScientific IllustrationsActs 23:1-11
Paul Before the CouncilW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Paul Before the CouncilH. A. Edson, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Paul Before the CouncilE. S. Attwood, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Paul Before the CouncilS. S. TimesActs 23:1-11
Paul Before the CouncilA. P. Foster.Acts 23:1-11
Paul's Ignorance of the High PriestArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 23:1-11
Paul's Ignorance of the High PriestH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Reviling DignitariesS. S. TimesActs 23:1-11
The Comfort of a Good ConscienceK. Gerok.Acts 23:1-11
The Outrage of Justice by a JudgeD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Threatenings MercifulBp. Wordsworth.Acts 23:1-11
Whited WallsS. S. TimesActs 23:1-11
Whited WallsG. V. Lechler, D. D.Acts 23:1-11
Things Dubious and Things CertainW. Clarkson Acts 23:3-10
A DiversionActs 23:6-10
PartisanshipH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 23:6-10
Paul and the SanhedrinS. S. TimesActs 23:6-10
Paul Before the SanhedrinA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 23:6-10
Paul's Policy VindicatedJ. Fawcett, M. A.Acts 23:6-10
Paul's Rescue by the Dissensions of His EnemiesChristian AgeActs 23:6-10
Paul's Strategy: its VindicationH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 23:6-10
Proofs of the ResurrectionE. Sharpe.Acts 23:6-10
Religious DissensionsH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 23:6-10
The Effect of the Apostle's PolicyD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 23:6-10
The Hope and the ResurrectionJ. W. Burn.Acts 23:6-10
The Strife Between the Pharisees and the SadduceesS. S. TimesActs 23:6-10
People
Ananias, Claudius, Felix, Herod, Paul
Places
Antipatris, Caesarea, Cilicia, Jerusalem, Rome
Topics
Angel, Argue, Argued, Arisen, Belonging, Clamor, Clamour, Contended, Cry, Discussion, Evil, Fiercely, Fight, Got, Harm, Heatedly, Law, Let's, Messenger, Nothing, Occurred, Outcry, Party, Pharisaic, Pharisees, Revelation, Rising, Saying, Scribes, Sect, Spake, Spirit, Spoke, Spoken, Sprang, Stood, Striving, Strove, Suppose, Teachers, Uproar, Vigorously, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 23:9

     7464   teachers of the law

Acts 23:6-9

     7551   Pharisees, beliefs

Library
Christ's Witnesses
'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.'--ACTS xxiii. 11. It had long been Paul's ambition to 'preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also.' His settled policy, as shown by this Book of the Acts, was to fly at the head, to attack the great centres of population. We trace him from Antioch to Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus; and of course Rome was the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Plot Detected
'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 bad killed Paul. 13. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. 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. 15. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to-morrow, as
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Witness of Our Own Spirit
"This is our rejoicing, the testimony of out conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world." 2 Cor. 1:12 1. Such is the voice of every true believer in Christ, so long as he abides in faith and love. "He that followeth me," saith our Lord, "walketh not in darkness:" And while he hath the light, he rejoiceth therein. As he hath "received the Lord Jesus Christ," so he walketh in him; and while he walketh
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Antipatris. Caphar Salama.
We find this town marked out heretofore by a double name, if we believe some. 1. It is called Caphar Salama by some, of which mention is made by Josephus, and the Book of the Maccabees. 2. Capharzaba by Josephus himself: "But Alexander, fearing his" [Antiochus Dionysius] "coming, digs a deep trench, beginning at Capharzaba, which is now called Antipatris, unto the sea of Joppa, a hundred and fifty furlongs." Note, by the way, from Joppa to Antipatris is a hundred and fifty furlongs, that is, eighteen
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Whether Discord is a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that discord is not a sin. For to disaccord with man is to sever oneself from another's will. But this does not seem to be a sin, because God's will alone, and not our neighbor's, is the rule of our own will. Therefore discord is not a sin. Objection 2: Further, whoever induces another to sin, sins also himself. But it appears not to be a sin to incite others to discord, for it is written (Acts 23:6) that Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether an Angel is Altogether Incorporeal?
Objection 1: It would seem that an angel is not entirely incorporeal. For what is incorporeal only as regards ourselves, and not in relation to God, is not absolutely incorporeal. But Damascene says (De Fide Orth. ii) that "an angel is said to be incorporeal and immaterial as regards us; but compared to God it is corporeal and material. Therefore he is not simply incorporeal." Objection 2: Further, nothing is moved except a body, as the Philosopher says (Phys. vi, text 32). But Damascene says (De
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
1. Some general principles with regard to the nature of vows. Superstitious errors not only of the heathen, but of Christians, in regard to vows. 2. Three points to be considered with regard to vows. First, to whom the vow is made--viz. to God. Nothing to be vowed to him but what he himself requires. 3. Second, Who we are that vow. We must measure our strength, and have regard to our calling. Fearful errors of the Popish clergy by not attending to this. Their vow of celibacy. 4. Third point to be
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Paul in the Temple
'And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him. 28. Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Christian State
Scripture references: Matthew 22:17-22; 17:24-27; Acts 23:5; John 6:15; Matthew 4:8-10; John 18:36-38; Mark 14; 61,62; John 18:33; 19:19; Isaiah 9:6,7; 60:3; Zechariah 9:10; Daniel 7:14; Matthew 26:64; 26:53,54; 16:16,17; 25:31,32. CHRIST AND THE STATE The Relation of Christ to the State.--He was an intense patriot. He loved His country. The names of His great countrymen, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua and David, were ever on His lips. He offered Himself as the national Messiah (Matthew 21:1-17),
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Quirinius the Governor of Syria
WE come now to the last serious difficulty in Luke's account of the "First Enrollment". He says that it occurred while Quirinius was administering Syria. The famous administration of Syria by Quirinius lasted from about AD. 6 to 9; and during that time occurred the" Great Enrollment" and valuation of property in Palestine. [94] Obviously the incidents described by Luke are irreconcilable with that date. There was found near Tibur (Tivoli) in AD. 1764 a fragment of marble with part of an inscription,
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

As, when we Read in the Gospel, "Thou Hast Received a Blow in The...
27. As, when we read in the Gospel, "Thou hast received a blow in the face, make ready the other cheek." [2339] Now as an example of patience can none be found than that of the Lord Himself more potent and excellent; but He, when smitten on the cheek, said not, Behold here is the other cheek, but He said, "If I have spoken ill, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou Me?" [2340] Where He shows that the preparation of the other cheek is to be done in the heart. Which also the Apostle
St. Augustine—On Lying

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

First Stage of Jewish Trial. Examination by Annas.
(Friday Before Dawn.) ^D John XVIII. 12-14, 19-23. ^d 12 So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, 13 and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. [For confusion in the priesthood, etc., see pp. 64 and 528.] 14 Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. [See p. 528. John restates this fact to remind the reader that Jesus was about
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 5 "Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you: Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For verily
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Pharisee and the Publican
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.-- Luke, xviii. 10-13. In the beginning
John Bunyan—The Pharisee And Publican

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Apostle's Position and Circumstances
PHILIPPIANS i. 12-20 Disloyal "brethren"--Interest of the paragraph--The victory of patience--The Praetorian sentinel--Separatism, and how it was met--St Paul's secret--His "earnest expectation"--"Christ magnified"--"In my body" St Paul has spoken his affectionate greeting to the Philippians, and has opened to them the warm depths of his friendship with them in the Lord. What he feels towards them "in the heart of Christ Jesus," what he prays for them in regard of the growth and fruit of their
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

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