Acts 23:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In Acts 23:6, facing a hostile Sanhedrin divided into Sadducees and Pharisees, the Apostle Paul strategically declares his identity as a Pharisee and asserts that he is on trial concerning the "hope and resurrection of the dead." This declaration masterfully exploits the deep theological rift between the two dominant Jewish factions, effectively shifting the focus of the accusation from his alleged profanation of the temple to a fundamental tenet of Jewish belief, thereby creating dissension among his accusers and highlighting the true spiritual nature of his persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's tumultuous appearance before the Sanhedrin, convened by the Roman commander Lysias after Paul's arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 22:30). Paul's initial attempt to defend himself was met with violence and an order from the High Priest Ananias to strike him (Acts 23:1-5). Recognizing the futility of a direct defense before a unified, hostile council, Paul observes the composition of the Sanhedrin—a mix of Sadducees and Pharisees—and seizes a strategic opportunity to divide his opponents by appealing to their core theological disagreements, particularly regarding the resurrection, a theme central to his gospel message. The ensuing chaos (Acts 23:7-10) demonstrates the immediate effectiveness of his tactic.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, comprising 71 members, including the High Priest, elders, and scribes. It was notoriously split between two major parties: the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Sadducees, largely from the priestly and aristocratic elite, adhered strictly to the written Torah and rejected the oral law, the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and spirits (as explicitly stated in [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees' Beliefs")). They were generally more Hellenized and pragmatic, often collaborating with Roman authorities to maintain their power. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were a more popular, pious, and nationalistic party, emphasizing meticulous observance of both written and oral law, and crucially, they believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits. Paul, having been educated as a Pharisee under Gamaliel ([Acts 22:3](/acts/22-3 "Acts 22:3 - Paul's Education")), was intimately familiar with these distinctions and the deep animosity between the two groups.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 23:6 contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights Paul's **strategic acumen** and quick thinking in moments of crisis, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex political and religious landscapes for the sake of the gospel. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality of the resurrection** to both Jewish belief (for the Pharisees) and Christian theology, revealing that Paul's "new" message was, in fact, the fulfillment of ancient Jewish hope, particularly the hope of the resurrection, as argued in [Acts 24:15](/acts/24-15 "Acts 24:15 - Paul's Hope in the Resurrection"). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays the **theological divisions within Judaism** itself, showing that not all Jewish leaders were united against Paul, and that his message resonated with certain foundational Jewish beliefs. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **persecution for the gospel's sake**, indicating that Paul's suffering was not for criminal acts but for his unwavering proclamation of the resurrected Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **perceived (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies more than mere observation; it implies a deep understanding, a recognition of the underlying reality or truth. Paul "knew" or "understood" the composition of the council, allowing him to discern the strategic opportunity presented by their internal divisions. It speaks to his spiritual and intellectual insight.
* **cried out (Greek, _krázō'_):** This word describes a loud, emphatic utterance, often conveying urgency, passion, or even a public proclamation. Paul's declaration was not a quiet whisper but a forceful shout, designed to be heard by the entire council and to immediately ignite the latent conflict between the two factions.
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** In this context, "hope" refers to a confident expectation, particularly concerning future events, and here, specifically the resurrection. For the Pharisees, this was a foundational belief in God's future action to raise the dead. For Paul, this hope was now realized and guaranteed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making his message a fulfillment, not a contradiction, of this ancient Jewish expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees,"**: This clause reveals Paul's keen observation and strategic insight. He quickly assessed the composition of the Sanhedrin, recognizing the fundamental theological divide between the two dominant factions. This perception was crucial for his subsequent tactical maneuver.
* **"he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee:"**: Paul's loud declaration is a direct and forceful appeal to his heritage and identity. By proclaiming himself a Pharisee, he immediately aligns himself with one major party, invoking a sense of shared identity and theological common ground, while simultaneously highlighting his deep roots within Jewish tradition. The address "Men and brethren" seeks to establish a connection, despite the adversarial context.
* **"of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question."**: This is the crux of Paul's strategic move. He reframes the entire accusation, shifting it from alleged temple desecration or sedition to a theological dispute concerning the resurrection. This was the very point on which Sadducees and Pharisees fundamentally disagreed, ensuring that his statement would provoke immediate and intense division within the council, thereby diverting attention from himself and his Christian message to their internal conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's declaration in Acts 23:6 masterfully employs several literary and rhetorical devices. **Anaphora** is evident in the repetition of "Pharisee," emphasizing his identity and lineage, which would resonate strongly with the Pharisaic members of the council. This also serves as a form of **identification**, where Paul strategically aligns himself with a specific group to gain their sympathy and support. The entire statement functions as a powerful example of **rhetorical strategy**, where Paul, under immense pressure, uses his knowledge of his audience's internal dynamics to his advantage, turning their division into his defense. His "crying out" (krázō) suggests **dramatic emphasis**, ensuring his words cut through the tension and immediately command attention, setting the stage for the ensuing chaos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in Acts 23:6 profoundly connects the Christian message to the core hopes of faithful Judaism, particularly through the doctrine of the resurrection. For Paul, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was not a deviation from Jewish belief but its ultimate fulfillment, the very "hope" that many Jews, especially the Pharisees, had long awaited. His trial, therefore, was not about a new, foreign religion, but about the culmination of God's redemptive plan, centered on the bodily resurrection of the Messiah. This highlights that the gospel is deeply rooted in the Old Testament promises and Jewish expectation, presenting Jesus as the one who brings the long-anticipated hope of resurrection to fruition.

* [Acts 24:15](/acts/24-15 "Acts 24:15 - Paul's Hope in God")
* [1 Corinthians 15:12-20](/1_corinthians/15-12-20 "1 Corinthians 15:12-20 - The Importance of Christ's Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:7-11](/philippians/3-7-11 "Philippians 3:7-11 - Paul's Pursuit of Christ and the Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's actions in Acts 23:6 offer profound lessons for believers today, particularly regarding wisdom, conviction, and discerning the true nature of opposition. Paul did not compromise his message, but he wisely understood his audience and strategically presented the truth in a way that exposed the underlying spiritual issues. This teaches us the importance of being "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves"))—to be discerning and strategic in our engagement with a skeptical or hostile world, without resorting to deception. Our conviction in the core tenets of faith, especially the resurrection of Christ, should be unwavering, for it is the foundation of our hope and the power of our witness. Furthermore, Paul's experience reminds us that opposition to the gospel often stems from deeper theological or spiritual disagreements, even when presented as moral or social accusations. We must learn to identify the true heart of the matter and boldly declare the truth, trusting God to vindicate His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, like Paul, exercise wisdom and discernment in sharing the gospel in challenging or hostile environments without compromising truth?**
* **In what ways is the resurrection of Jesus Christ the central "hope" of your faith, and how does this conviction impact your daily life?**
* **When facing opposition or criticism, how can you discern the underlying spiritual or theological issues at play, rather than getting sidetracked by superficial arguments?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul being deceptive by calling himself a Pharisee, given his conversion to Christianity?**

Answer: No, Paul was not being deceptive. While Paul had converted to faith in Jesus as the Messiah, he genuinely remained a Pharisee in his theological convictions regarding the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the authority of God's law. His Christian faith was, for him, the fulfillment of true Pharisaic hope, not its abandonment. He continued to uphold the Old Testament scriptures and the belief in a future resurrection, which he now understood was inaugurated by Jesus' own resurrection. His declaration was a statement of his true background and his continued adherence to a core Pharisaic doctrine, which distinguished him from the Sadducees. As he later states in [Acts 24:14](/acts/24-14 "Acts 24:14 - Paul's Worship of the God of His Fathers"), he worshipped the God of his fathers, believing "all things which are written in the law and in the prophets."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:6, with Paul's bold declaration, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His resurrection. Paul's assertion that he was on trial "of the hope and resurrection of the dead" directly points to the pivotal event of Christian faith: the bodily resurrection of Jesus. For Paul, the "hope" of Israel, long anticipated by the prophets and believed by the Pharisees, was not merely a future event but had decisively broken into history through Christ. Jesus is the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. Paul's trial, therefore, was not merely a dispute over an abstract doctrine but a confrontation over the living reality of the resurrected Messiah, who had transformed his life and was the very embodiment of the hope for which he was being persecuted. The "hope and resurrection of the dead" finds its complete and glorious realization in Jesus, the Lord of life, who conquered death and offers eternal life to all who call upon His name ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.