But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. (Acts 23:6-9)
After a confrontation with the High Priest who had Paul struck despite both Jewish and Roman law to the contrary, Paul perceived the division amongst the council. The Sadducees, who were the hirelings of Rome and political rather than religious appointees, denied the supernatural aspects of their religion and much of Scripture as the divine revelation of God. The Pharisees, though more conservative in their beliefs still sought power and the favor that went with their positions on the council. Paul capitalized on the division, not to win an argument but to testify of Christ and the hope he had in Jesus. The scribes spoke up, repeating the words of Gamaliel from the trial of Peter and John, and urged the council to caution. The resulting discussion became so tumultuous that the Roman guard had to rescue Paul.
Paul knew that he would not receive any fairness nor justice in this mockery of a trial before the council. The Sanhedrin, especially the Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection or anything supernatural and were simply political appointees of Rome, were repeating the same accusations and zealous defense of their traditions that they had with Jesus, with Stephen, with Peter and John, and with others who believed in “the Way” and were disciples of Christ. Because of the veil which was upon them, they could not see that their traditions were opposed to the Law which they were attempting to defend. But neither the Law nor their traditions could save them, for only faith in Jesus Christ built upon the Word of God through the grace of God could save and bring glory to God.
The Scribes saw through some of the conflict and warned the council that they might be fighting against God, the same warning Gamaliel had uttered in the earlier trial. We often find ourselves, if we are not careful in accomplishing His will, to be fighting against God, even as we think we are zealous for Him. Many religious people, regardless of their religion, think they are doing the work of the Lord when in fact they are at war with Him and their zealous defense is simply part of the battle they are in with the Lord God. All of us must surrender to Him on His terms, to be born again and to do that which He calls us to do. We cannot do it our way lest we find ourselves fighting against God.
God wants all to be saved and He calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
Paul knew that he would not receive any fairness nor justice in this mockery of a trial before the council. The Sanhedrin, especially the Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection or anything supernatural and were simply political appointees of Rome, were repeating the same accusations and zealous defense of their traditions that they had with Jesus, with Stephen, with Peter and John, and with others who believed in “the Way” and were disciples of Christ. Because of the veil which was upon them, they could not see that their traditions were opposed to the Law which they were attempting to defend. But neither the Law nor their traditions could save them, for only faith in Jesus Christ built upon the Word of God through the grace of God could save and bring glory to God.
The Scribes saw through some of the conflict and warned the council that they might be fighting against God, the same warning Gamaliel had uttered in the earlier trial. We often find ourselves, if we are not careful in accomplishing His will, to be fighting against God, even as we think we are zealous for Him. Many religious people, regardless of their religion, think they are doing the work of the Lord when in fact they are at war with Him and their zealous defense is simply part of the battle they are in with the Lord God. All of us must surrender to Him on His terms, to be born again and to do that which He calls us to do. We cannot do it our way lest we find ourselves fighting against God.
God wants all to be saved and He calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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