Paul before the Sanhedrin
Theme: Living by Faith in Christ Alone
Theme Verse: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 NIV
Readings: Acts 22:30-23:11
Memory Verse: "The following night the Lord stood near Paul & said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.' "Acts 23:11
Remember why Paul was here in the first place: the riot started by some falsely claiming that Paul taught against the Law, the "people" and the temple (Acts21:28). He is rescued by the Roman soldiers and gets a chance to witness from the steps of the barracks to the hostile crowd.
The next day the Roman officer brought Paul before the Sanhedrin to get evidence (not to try him) as to why the Jews accused him. (Remember that Paul and the apostles and most of the Christians in Jerusalem were also Jews.) Paul looked directly into the eyes of the Council and calls them, "Brethren"! The he directly challenges the charge against him. "I have lived before God in all good conscience up to this day." Word received: That is what I want you to be able to say: that is why I want to cleanse your hearts with the fire of My Holy Spirit. Paul's past has been forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus and the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. That is why he can say this. God wants to cleanse our hearts (body, mind, spirit) with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Our sins are forgiven at the cross and the Holy Spirit wants to keep on making us "a new creation" by his power. The same Spirit who raised Christ Jesus from the dead can also raise us to new life. Word received: Can you say what Paul said? I want you to be able to say that you too have fulfilled your duty to Me with a good conscience. This is not to say we are perfect or sinless but the direction and purpose of our lives is to follow Jesus in obedience and love. As Paul says, I have kept the faith. I have finished my course (race). Remember how Jesus said, "I have not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it." (Matthew 5:17)
The high priest, Ananias (held office 47-58 AD under the reign of Claudius and Nero and was assassinated about 66AD) was a very corrupt one, notorious for his greed and was killed by the Zealots for his pro-Roman sympathies. (p.35, The New Bible Dictionary, Eerdmans) He gave orders that Paul be hit on the mouth and we see Paul's temper flare at this unfair breaking of the Law. Word received: My people will be misunderstood and suffer ridicule for My Name. That is still happening today. What we see in verse 3 is Paul, who knew the Law well, objecting to someone, who was breaking the law himself, presuming to judge him (Paul) by that same Law. Word received: Be careful how you judge others because you will be judged by how you judge others. The high priest was breaking the Law he claimed to be upholding. Paul called him on it---just as he called Peter on his double mindedness in Galatians 2:11-13.
Remember how Jesus said in Matthew 7:1f, "Judge not that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged." Paul comments on this in Romans 2:23 "You who boast in the Law do you dishonor God by breaking the Law?" Jesus goes on to say that we need to examine ourselves before God before trying to help another who has sinned. "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Jesus also says, "By their fruits you will know them." As our Bishop says, "We are not to be judges (God's role) but we are to be 'fruit inspectors'." We are to exercise discernment but without assuming God's role. We are also to be accountable to one another.
Paul knows God's Word and backs down somewhat because he knows he needs to speak respectfully to the high priest, even though he is wrong. (Paul had just compared him to a whitewashed tomb which was considered unclean and full of death!)
What is happening here when Paul recognizes the theological gulf between the Sadducees and the Pharisees? I would suggest that Jesus gave him an idea on the spot of how to speak -- to divide his accusers and turn them against each other and still witness to Jesus' resurrection -- the absolute core of the Christian faith. READ 1 Corinthians 15:12-17. Paul has one shot at it and wants to go right to the heart of the matter. It will also divide his opponents. The Pharisees end by letting Paul off the hook. Word received: If you were facing judgment as a Christian, what would the basis for your defense be? Paul's is the hope and the resurrection of the dead.
God's protection takes the form of a violent dispute between two groups of accusers. Word received: I was there to guide and protect Paul. As you speak My Truth, I will be there to watch over you too.
Now see how Jesus encourages Paul. "The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified about Me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome.' " Word received: "Be of good courage. It is I; do not be afraid." (Matthew 4:27) That is the word that I speak to My people when they are afraid. I want you to believe my words of comfort -- they are spoken in time of need.
We too can call on the Lord for encouragement! He wants to give it to you. He wants you to testify about him. Share about a time when the Lord encouraged you in a difficult time. Have you ever been in an impossible spot and the Lord told you what to say or do?
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 28
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Think how much Paul had to go through because of a false statement. Don't accuse people unless you know the facts.
2. Love those who persecute you.
3. God wants you to be faithful in doing what he tells you to do.
4. Do not be afraid of what others say about you; be faithful to God. He will be with you.
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