Acts 23:6

¶ 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.

But {G1161} when Paul {G3972} perceived {G1097} that {G3754} the one {G1520} part {G3313} were {G2076} Sadducees {G4523}, and {G1161} the other {G2087} Pharisees {G5330}, he cried out {G2896} in {G1722} the council {G4892}, Men {G435} and brethren {G80}, I {G1473} am {G1510} a Pharisee {G5330}, the son {G5207} of a Pharisee {G5330}: of {G4012} the hope {G1680} and {G2532} resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498} I {G1473} am called in question {G2919}.

But knowing that one part of the Sanhedrin consisted of Tz’dukim and the other of P’rushim, Sha’ul shouted, “Brothers, I myself am a Parush and the son of P’rushim; and it is concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am being tried!”

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Commentary on Acts 23:6

Acts 23:6 records a pivotal moment in Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council. Faced with a hostile audience and an unjust high priest, Paul employs a brilliant strategic maneuver to divide his accusers and highlight the true nature of the charges against him.

Context

Following his arrest in Jerusalem and a tumultuous appearance before the Roman commander Lysias, Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30). The council was composed of two primary factions: the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Sadducees were a priestly, aristocratic party who adhered strictly to the written Torah and denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and spirits. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were a more popular party, meticulously observing both written and oral law, and crucially, they believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits. Paul, discerning this fundamental theological split, seizes the opportunity to shift the focus of his accusation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Strategic Acumen: Paul demonstrates remarkable shrewdness and quick thinking under pressure. By identifying the division within the Sanhedrin, he masterfully turns their internal disagreements into a defense strategy, creating dissension among his accusers.
  • Theological Divide: The verse powerfully illustrates the deep theological chasm between the Sadducees and Pharisees, particularly concerning the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. This was not a minor point but a foundational belief that separated the two groups.
  • Paul's Identity and Conviction: Paul boldly declares his heritage: "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee." This was not merely a tactical claim but a statement of truth about his background and his continued belief in the resurrection, which for him was now centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His identification with the Pharisees on this key point aligns him with a significant portion of the council.
  • Persecution for the Hope of Resurrection: Paul asserts that the core reason for his persecution is "of the hope and resurrection of the dead." This links his Christian message directly to a foundational Jewish belief, framing his gospel as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes, rather than a radical departure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "of the hope and resurrection of the dead" (Greek: peri elpidos kai anastaseōs nekrōn) is central. Paul emphasizes that his current predicament is not about sedition or profaning the temple, but about a theological dispute regarding the resurrection. This highlights that for Paul, the Christian message, particularly the resurrection of Christ, was the ultimate fulfillment of the hope that many faithful Jews, especially Pharisees, held.

Practical Application

Paul's action in Acts 23:6 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Wisdom in Engagement: While not advocating for manipulative tactics, Paul's example shows the importance of understanding our audience and finding common ground when presenting the truth. He didn't compromise his message but found a strategic way to articulate its essence.
  • Unwavering Conviction: Paul's declaration underscores his firm belief in the resurrection—a cornerstone of Christian faith. This reminds us of the importance of standing firm on core doctrines, even when facing opposition. The resurrection of Christ is the hope upon which our faith is built.
  • Identifying the True Issue: Sometimes, accusations against believers are veiled. Like Paul, we may need to discern and articulate the real theological or spiritual issues at play, rather than getting sidetracked by superficial charges.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 24:15

    And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

  • Acts 24:21

    Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

  • Philippians 3:5

    Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

  • Acts 26:5

    Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

  • Acts 26:8

    Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

  • Matthew 22:23

    ¶ The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

  • Acts 28:20

    For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see [you], and to speak with [you]: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
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