The Roman military commander of Jerusalem orders the Sanhedrin to gather and brings Paul to the assembly. He is determined to find out the cause of the rioting.
1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”
… I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 23:6
The 2 groups (Pharisee and Sadducees) fall to arguing and the dispute becomes so violent that the commander is “afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them.” He again rescues Paul and returns him to the military barracks.
That night an angel announces that Paul has fulfilled his mission to the Jews. Now he must testify in Rome itself.
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.”
Paul’s nephew, hearing of the conspiracy by over 40 men to murder Paul, warns the apostle. When the plot is reported to the military governor, he acts immediately and sends Paul with a guard of several hundred troops to the Roman governor in the port city of Caesarea. The commander also orders Paul’s accusers to go there, if they have a case to present against him.
29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.
Paul was falsely accused by church leaders. Roman authorities were inadvertent witnesses to this injustice when they attempted to apply the law objectively in Paul’s case.
Just like what happened to Jesus. By this, we know that Paul was following the footsteps of our Lord. Christians are falsely accused by the people of this world. That’s how it is supposed to be. So, we shouldn’t be surprised.
God is above it all. He directs Paul to go to Rome to testify as well.
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.”
And Paul obeys like Jesus.
Not my will, but thy will be done.
