2. The Commander Commander Claudius Lysias released Paul and called a meeting of the Sanhedrin

3. Sanhedrin Ruling Council of Jews 71 in number Ancients of the People Both Pharisees & Sadducees

4. My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day. (23:1)

5. Ananias High priest (47-58) Bribes, stole tithes, assassinations (Josephus) Murdered by Zealots in Jerusalem, A.D. 66

6. Ananias Ordered Paul to be struck on the mouth Paul, “I did not realize that he was the high priest.”

7. When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. (John 18:22)

8. Pharisees & Sadducees Immortality of soul Resurrection Oral Traditions Angels & Demons Common People No Immortality of the soul No Resurrection No authority of oral traditions No spirits Rich & Powerful

9. Strategy Divide & Conquer! I am a Pharisee!

10. Strategy I am on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead. (6)

11. Strategy The Pharisees defended Paul! (The enemy of my enemy is my friend.)

12. 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)

13. Occurred at a low time for Paul – much like Corinth (Acts 18:9) “Take courage!” is spoken only by Jesus in the N.T.

14. Conspiracy More than 40 men Vow – Not to eat or drink till Paul was dead Took plan to the chief priests and elders

15. Conspiracy Plan was discovered by Paul’s nephew who lived in Jerusalem Told Paul Told Claudius Lysias

16. Go Tonight! 1,000 soldiers were stationed in Jerusalem 470 were sent to protect Paul

18. Governor Felix Procurator of Judea (A.D. 52-59) A freed slave Freedman Rank (a Proconsul was of Senatorial Rank)

19. Governor Felix Immoral (married 3 times), cruel Tacitus – indulging in every kind of cruelty and lust, exercised the power of a king in the spirit of a slave.

20. Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came…

21. …I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he was a Roman citizen. ☺ (A little bit of re-writing history!)

22. Governor Felix Felix agreed to hear Paul’s case when his accusers from Jerusalem arrived.