Sermon Notes for 6/1/14
Taking Initiative (Acts 22:30-23:11)
A. Why was Paul able to lead the assembly? (22:30-23:6)
1) Experience in changing directions (22:30-23:1)
The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them. Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." (22:30-23:1)
2) Calmly assessing the situation (23:2-6)
At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!" Those who were standing near Paul said, "You dare to insult God's high priest?" Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: `Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.' " Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." (23:2-6)
B. Why was the assembly unable to corner Paul? (23:7-10)
1) They were divided (23:7-9)
When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" (23:7-9)
2) Thwarted by a greater power (23:10)
The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. (23:10)
C. Let's be encouraged by listening to God's voice (23:11)
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (23:11)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Summary
Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin in order to defend himself, but instead of behaving in a guilty manner he took control of the assembly, confusing those who were trying to accuse Paul of wrongdoing. In Paul's example we can find clues for how to live in such a way that we are taking initiative in our own lives, and not allowing ourselves to be led astray by other people. As we seek God's guidance in our lives, walk with him, and listen to his voice, we can live purposefully.
For Discussion
1) Why was Paul able to lead the assembly?
2) How can we hear the voice of The Lord?
Taking Initiative (Acts 22:30-23:11)
A. Why was Paul able to lead the assembly? (22:30-23:6)
1) Experience in changing directions (22:30-23:1)
The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them. Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." (22:30-23:1)
2) Calmly assessing the situation (23:2-6)
At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!" Those who were standing near Paul said, "You dare to insult God's high priest?" Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: `Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.' " Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." (23:2-6)
B. Why was the assembly unable to corner Paul? (23:7-10)
1) They were divided (23:7-9)
When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" (23:7-9)
2) Thwarted by a greater power (23:10)
The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. (23:10)
C. Let's be encouraged by listening to God's voice (23:11)
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (23:11)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Summary
Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin in order to defend himself, but instead of behaving in a guilty manner he took control of the assembly, confusing those who were trying to accuse Paul of wrongdoing. In Paul's example we can find clues for how to live in such a way that we are taking initiative in our own lives, and not allowing ourselves to be led astray by other people. As we seek God's guidance in our lives, walk with him, and listen to his voice, we can live purposefully.
For Discussion
1) Why was Paul able to lead the assembly?
2) How can we hear the voice of The Lord?