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Episode 132: Acts 23:1–24:9
Host: Larsen B. Plyler
Date: December 7, 2025

Overview of the Episode

This episode delves into Acts 23 and the start of Acts 24, working through Paul’s defense before the Sanhedrin, the plot against his life, and the transition of his case to Roman authorities. The speakers focus on both the historical context and practical applications, exploring the interplay of faithfulness, providence, personal responsibility, and God’s promises. The study also previews Paul’s upcoming defense before Governor Felix and analyzes the motives and actions of his accusers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Paul Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1–10)

[03:00–13:03]

• Paul’s Conscience and Conflict:

  • Paul opens his defense asserting, “Brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God to this day” (05:44).
  • The high priest Ananias reacts violently, commanding Paul be struck on the mouth, apparently insulted by Paul’s claim to moral consistency.

• Paul Responds with Strong Language:

  • “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the law and in violation of the law order me to be struck?” (06:09–06:18).
  • The co-speaker explains Paul accuses Ananias of hypocrisy, referencing Jesus’ own criticisms of outwardly religious yet inwardly corrupt leaders.

• Paul’s Acknowledgement (or Not) of the High Priest:

  • Paul says, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was a high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people’” (06:18–06:37).
  • The speakers debate whether Paul’s ignorance is literal or a comment on Ananias’ illegitimacy due to his conduct.
  • “I have a sense that he is saying that he did not know this was a high priest because a legitimate one would never act the way Ananias was acting.” (10:19–10:29)

• Paul’s Strategic Declaration about the Resurrection:

  • Paul identifies as a Pharisee, “a son of Pharisees… on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead” (12:54), causing a schism between the Sadducees and Pharisees.
  • The debate escalates to violence, and Roman soldiers rescue Paul again.

Divine Encouragement and Plot to Kill Paul (Acts 23:11–35)

[14:17–24:13]

• The Lord Reassures Paul:
  • “Take courage, for as you have solemnly borne witness to my cause at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome also.” (11:50)
• The Assassination Plot:
  • More than 40 Jews swear not to eat or drink until they have killed Paul (15:03–15:45).
  • Paul’s nephew alerts him to the conspiracy; Paul directs him to report it to the Roman commander.
  • Main Speaker notes, “God had made a promise about Paul testifying in Rome. But Paul still took precautions… God’s promise here… did not mean that there was nothing that Paul could do to address the situation” (17:34–20:07).
  • Quote: “Paul still took precautions… In this we see God’s protection of Paul not through miraculous means, but through ordinary, perhaps seemingly providential ways.” (17:34–19:25)
• Evacuation Under Roman Guard:
  • The commander arranges for 470 soldiers to escort Paul to Caesarea to prevent the plot (22:05–22:25).
  • The letter to Felix reorders the official version, emphasizing Paul’s Roman citizenship and painting Claudius Lysias in a favorable light.

Paul in Caesarea and Formal Accusations (Acts 24:1–9)

[24:13–29:00]

• Arrival of the High Priest and Accusers:
  • After five days, Ananias, elders, and professional orator Tertullus bring charges before Felix.
  • Tertullus commences with effusive flattery: “We welcome this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness…” (24:13)
  • Main Speaker remarks on his disingenuity, noting contemporary historians viewed Felix as “absolutely wicked.”
  • Tertullus accuses Paul of:
    • Being “a real pest” and causing international dissension
    • Leading the “sect of the Nazarenes”
    • Attempting to desecrate the temple
• Paul’s Initial Response (to be continued next episode):
  • Paul is respectfully brief: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense” (27:55).
  • He refutes the charges, insisting “Neither in the temple nor, Nor in the synagogues, nor across the city did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot” (28:22–28:28).
  • Paul reaffirms his faith, “But this I confess to you, that according to the way which they call a sect, I do serve the God of our fathers.” (28:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paul’s Rebuke of Ananias:
  • “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!” (Main Speaker quoting Paul, 06:11)
• On Legitimate Rulers:
  • “A legitimate one would never act the way Ananias was acting.” (Co-Speaker, 10:24)
• On God’s Protection and Personal Responsibility:
  • “In this we see God’s protection of Paul not through miraculous means, but through ordinary, perhaps seemingly providential ways.” (Main Speaker, 19:25)
• On Providence and Action:
  • “God had made a promise about Paul testifying in Rome. But Paul still took precautions…” (Main Speaker, 17:34)
• On Accusations Against Paul:
  • “We have found this man, a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” (Tertullus via Main Speaker, 24:13)
• On Paul’s Defense:
  • “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.” (Paul via Main Speaker, 27:55)

Important Timestamps

• 03:00–10:50: Paul before the Sanhedrin, confrontation with Ananias
• 13:00–14:17: Paul invokes resurrection, division between Pharisees/Sadducees
• 15:03–20:07: Assassination plot; Paul’s nephew’s intervention
• 22:05–24:13: Paul escorted under heavy guard to Caesarea; letter from Claudius Lysias
• 24:13–28:57: Tertullus’s accusations; Paul’s preliminary defense

Key Takeaways

• Paul’s steadfastness in conscience, his identification with both his tradition and the resurrection hope, and his skillful use of internal rivalries in the Sanhedrin to his advantage.
• God’s providence is most often exercised through ordinary means—Paul took responsible action even while trusting in God’s promises.
• Corruption in leadership (Ananias’ conduct; flattery of Felix) contrasts with Paul’s integrity and honesty.
• Faithful witness does not preclude shrewd actions or engaging with legal processes responsibly.
• The main narrative trajectory of Acts pivots here towards getting Paul to Rome, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy.

Next episode: Paul’s detailed defense before Felix and further implications for Christian conduct under hostile earthly authorities.