Introduction:

1. Here the narrative intensifies as Paul is arrested at the temple.

2. What these Jews meant for harm God turn into good (cf. Genesis 50:20).

Discussion:

I. The Charges Against Him (21:27-36)

A. Like Stephen (6:9-14), Paul was falsely accused of militating against Moses’ Law, and bringing a Gentile into the temple (vv. 28-29).

B. This whipped the mob into a murderous frenzy (vv. 30-32).

C. On the way to the barracks, Paul asked to speak to them (vv. 33-36).

II. Paul’s Defense Before the Mob (21:37-22:22)

A. Paul began with his shared zeal for the law (22:3-5).

B. He then recounted his encounter with the Lord (22:6-21).

C. The crowd listened until he shared his gentile commission, and then they sought to have him executed again (22:21-22).

III. Paul’s Defense Before the Council (22:22-23:11)

A. Upon hearing their railing against Paul, the commander ordered him to be scourged, apparently to secure a confession (22:23-24).

B. Paul’s Roman citizenship spared him the scourging and prompted the commander to bring him before the Sanhedrin (22:25-30).

C. A dispute with the high priest revealed Paul’s continued respect for the law concerning honoring authority (22:1-5; cf. Romans 13:1-7).

D. Perceiving the two factions among the council (Sadducees and Pharisees) Paul divided them over the resurrection (22:6-9).

E. This dispute got so heated the commander had Paul extracted, leading him to appear before the governor and eventually Caesar (23:10-11).

1. Though most of what remains seems like mere historical details, there is much wisdom and encouragement to be gained from it.

2. Like Paul, if we will set our hearts to simply do His will regardless of the consequences, one way or another He will work the rest out.

3. So, let us take courage and soldier on in His cause.