Trial Of Paul By Sanhedrin Series

Acts 22:22-23:11 Paul Tried by Sanhedrin

22:22-29 Citizenship Privileges

22:30-23:11 Trial by Sanhedrin

Acts 22:22-29 Citizenship Privileges

The world looks down on the gospel workers, evangelists and servants of Christ as useless and worthless persons to live on the earth. On some occasions, even the believers are ill-treating servants of God. It is a fact that some may have taken up the gospel work as their employment opportunity. But, God has honoured his servants and esteems highly. Their feet are blessed. Their hands are the instruments of God for miracle performance.

At the arrest of Paul, the whole area was in utter confusion and graceless situation. The authorities allowed Paul to be flogged and investigated him without a fair trial. At that instant, Paul questioned the soldier what made you treat a Roman Citizen in this manner. This word has put the soldier and commander in a perplexing state. Paul was a born citizen, and he enjoyed that blessing.

Paul used his privileges as a citizen of Rome. We need to know the rights and privileges of a citizen of our country. Every nation has several rights and honours for its citizens. We have exercised the rightful duties. We should never behave like strangers and foreigners in our motherland.

Acts 22:30-23:11 Trial by Sanhedrin

Paul stood before the Sanhedrin as Prisoner, not bounded with chains but with the freed person yet an accused. As Paul began his defence speech, immediately, the high priest ordered the soldier to strike Paul on his mouth. Paul spoke boldly and told the High priest that God would deal with the due reward from the Lord.

Paul decided to take advantage of the situation of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was filled with people coming from different faith backgrounds, such as Sadducees and Pharisees. Paul brought division among them about the beliefs they had with one another. Especially on the issue of resurrection. He told Pharisees that his trial was for his doctrine on the resurrection.

Now, Paul kept silent. But, there was a great uproar among the Sanhedrin. We learn that some of the Pharisees argued vigorously with Sadducees on the subject of resurrection. God has kept his people even among the people of other faiths. Therefore, we need not worry. The Holy Spirit will give the right words for our advantage. Ultimately, the name of God is glorified through us. End of the day, the Lord appeared to Paul and told him that he would take him to Rome. Though Paul was going through tough times and worst scenarios in his life, God was with him and enabled him to sail through these stormy lives.

Discussions:

1. Discuss the rights of Indian Citizenship of Christians.

2. Is it not true that God will make the stones to speak for him?

3. How do we handle the bad times of our lives?

(Further studies on this book of Acts, refer to this Site)