Acts 23:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there arose {G1096} a great {G3173} cry {G2906}: and {G2532} the scribes {G1122} that were of the Pharisees {G5330}' part {G3313} arose {G450}, and strove {G1264}, saying {G3004}, We find {G2147} no {G3762} evil {G2556} in {G1722} this {G5129} man {G444}: but {G1161} if {G1487} a spirit {G4151} or {G2228} an angel {G32} hath spoken {G2980} to him {G846}, let us {G2313} not {G3361} fight {G2313} against God.

Complete Jewish Bible

So there was a great uproar, with some of the Torah-teachers who were on the side of the P’rushim standing up and joining in — “We don’t find anything wrong with this man; and if a spirit or an angel spoke to him, what of it?”

Berean Standard Bible

A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”

American Standard Version

And there arose a great clamor: and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: and what if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:9 captures a dramatic turning point in Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, where his strategic declaration of being a Pharisee on trial for the resurrection ignited a fierce theological debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Amidst the escalating chaos, the Pharisees, finding no legitimate charge against Paul, rose to his defense, postulating that his experiences might be divinely inspired and warning against the grave error of opposing God Himself. This unexpected intervention highlights divine providence and Paul's shrewdness in navigating intense religious and political opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Paul's appearance before the Sanhedrin, immediately following his calculated declaration in [Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration Before the Sanhedrin") that he was a Pharisee on trial concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead. This statement, delivered to a council composed of both Pharisees and Sadducees, intentionally exploited their deep-seated theological differences. The previous verses (Acts 23:1-5) describe Paul's initial attempt to defend himself, which was met with a command from the high priest Ananias to strike him, leading to Paul's sharp rebuke and subsequent apology. Recognizing the insurmountable prejudice and the inherent division within his accusers, Paul shifted his strategy from direct defense to a theological provocation, which directly led to the "great cry" and the intervention of the Pharisees described in [Acts 23:9](/acts/23-9 "Acts 23:9 - The Pharisees Defend Paul").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body in Jerusalem, composed of 71 members, including the high priest, elders, and scribes. It was notoriously divided into two major factions: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees, a popular religious and political party, believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the validity of oral tradition alongside the written Torah. The Sadducees, primarily aristocratic priests, rejected the resurrection, angels, and spirits, adhering strictly to the written Law of Moses. This fundamental theological chasm meant that any issue touching upon these doctrines would inevitably cause a schism within the council. Paul, as a former Pharisee and a student of Gamaliel (as noted in [Acts 22:3](/acts/22-3 "Acts 22:3 - Paul's Background")), was intimately familiar with these divisions and expertly leveraged this knowledge to his advantage, turning his accusers against each other rather than allowing them to unite against him.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 23:9](/acts/23-9 "Acts 23:9 - The Pharisees Defend Paul") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events, even through human conflict, to protect His servants and advance His gospel. Paul's life is repeatedly marked by divine intervention, ensuring his mission continues despite formidable opposition, echoing the Lord's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Appears to Paul"). Secondly, it highlights **Paul's Astute Strategy and Wisdom**, showcasing his Spirit-led ability to discern and exploit the weaknesses of his adversaries for the sake of the gospel. His declaration was not merely a tactical maneuver but a declaration of core Christian belief, centered on the resurrection, which was a point of contention for his accusers. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Vindication of Truth and Innocence**, as even some of Paul's accusers acknowledge his lack of "evil." This foreshadows later Roman declarations of his innocence (e.g., [Acts 25:25](/acts/25-25 "Acts 25:25 - Festus Finds Paul Innocent")). Finally, the Pharisees' warning, "let us not fight against God," reiterates the profound theological principle of **Discerning and Not Opposing God's Work**, a theme previously articulated by Gamaliel in [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Greek, _kraugḗ'_):** (G2906) This term denotes an "outcry (in notification, tumult or grief)." In the context of Acts 23:9, it signifies a loud, tumultuous clamor, indicative of the intense uproar and heated contention that erupted within the Sanhedrin. It describes the audible manifestation of the deep division and fierce argument that Paul's words provoked, transforming the formal court setting into a chaotic scene.
* **strove (Greek, _diamáchomai'_):** (G1264) Derived from "dia" (through) and "machomai" (to fight), this word means "to fight fiercely," "to contend vehemently," or "to dispute thoroughly." It emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the altercation between the two factions of the Sanhedrin. The scribes of the Pharisees' part did not merely disagree; they engaged in a vigorous and passionate dispute, indicative of their strong conviction regarding the resurrection and their opposition to the Sadducees' denial.
* **fight against God (Greek, _theomachéō'_):** (G2313) This unique compound word, formed from "theos" (God) and "machomai" (to fight), literally means "to resist deity" or "to war against God." It encapsulates the profound theological warning issued by the Pharisees. They recognized the possibility that Paul's message or experience might be divinely sanctioned, and to oppose it would be to place oneself in direct opposition to God's will and purpose, a perilous spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there arose a great cry:"** This phrase immediately conveys the dramatic shift from a formal trial to an uncontrollable uproar. Paul's strategic declaration had the intended effect of shattering any semblance of unity among his accusers, leading to a loud, tumultuous clamor as the two factions of the Sanhedrin began to passionately argue among themselves.
* **"and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying,"** This highlights the specific group that reacted in Paul's favor: the scribes who belonged to the Pharisaic faction. Their rising signifies their active participation and engagement in the ensuing debate, vehemently contending with the Sadducees. Their subsequent declaration reveals their motivation and the theological basis for their intervention.
* **"We find no evil in this man:"** This is a crucial declaration of Paul's innocence from a segment of his accusers. Despite their initial hostility towards Paul as a Christian, their theological convictions regarding the resurrection aligned with Paul's stated reason for being on trial. They could not find any legitimate legal or moral fault in him that warranted punishment, especially given the context of his belief in the resurrection.
* **"but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God."** This conditional statement reveals the Pharisees' theological openness and caution. While they may not have fully embraced Paul's Christian message, their belief in spirits and angels meant they had to consider the possibility that Paul's experiences or revelations (e.g., his Damascus Road encounter or subsequent visions) were indeed of divine origin. The concluding warning, "let us not fight against God," is a profound theological principle, echoing Gamaliel's earlier advice in Acts 5:39, suggesting that opposing what might be God's work is a dangerous and futile endeavor.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Dramatic Tension**, as Paul's single statement transforms a hostile trial into an internal conflict among his accusers, leading to a "great cry" and vehement debate. There is significant **Irony** in the situation: Paul, previously a persecutor of Christians, is now defended by his former colleagues, the Pharisees, against the Sadducees, who were often his allies in persecution. This unexpected alliance underscores God's ability to work through unlikely means. The Pharisees' conditional statement, "but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him," serves as **Rhetorical Questioning** or a **Hypothetical Argument**, designed to challenge the Sadducees' skepticism and warn them against theological error. Finally, the phrase "let us not fight against God" acts as a powerful **Admonition** or **Proverbial Warning**, encapsulating a deep theological truth about the futility and danger of opposing divine will, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 23:9 vividly illustrates God's sovereign hand in protecting His servants and advancing His kingdom, even amidst intense opposition and through unexpected alliances. Paul's strategic declaration, though seemingly a mere tactical maneuver, was rooted in a core theological truth—the resurrection—which became the very instrument of his deliverance. This incident underscores the principle that God can use the divisions and even the partial understanding of His adversaries to accomplish His purposes. It also serves as a profound reminder that genuine spiritual discernment is crucial, as opposing a message or messenger might inadvertently mean opposing God Himself. The Pharisees, despite their incomplete understanding of Christ, recognized the potential for divine activity and wisely cautioned against resisting it, highlighting the seriousness of discerning God's work in the world.

* [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel to the Sanhedrin")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When the Lord Favors a Man's Ways")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:9 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to the gospel. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even chaotic and dangerous ones. Paul's experience encourages us to trust in God's providence, knowing that He can open doors where there seem to be none and turn the hearts of adversaries. It also highlights the importance of spiritual wisdom and discernment; Paul's intimate knowledge of his audience allowed him to speak truth in a way that exposed existing divisions and created an unexpected path to safety. For us, this means seeking God's wisdom in challenging situations, understanding the context of those we engage with, and recognizing that sometimes, simply standing firm on a core biblical truth can be the most powerful strategy. Furthermore, the Pharisees' warning, "let us not fight against God," serves as a sobering call to humility and careful consideration before dismissing or opposing what might be a move of God, whether in our personal lives or in the broader church and world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's strategic use of the Pharisees' beliefs challenge me to think creatively about sharing the gospel in hostile environments?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "fighting against God" by resisting His clear will or the work of His Spirit?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize God's hand at work, even in unexpected or chaotic circumstances?**
* **What core theological truths am I willing to stand on, even if it causes division among those who oppose the gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Pharisees defend Paul, given that he was a Christian?**

Answer: The Pharisees' defense of Paul in [Acts 23:9](/acts/23-9 "Acts 23:9 - The Pharisees Defend Paul") was not an endorsement of Christianity but a direct consequence of their theological conflict with the Sadducees. Paul, a former Pharisee and student of Gamaliel, shrewdly declared himself on trial for "the hope and resurrection of the dead" ([Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Declaration Before the Sanhedrin")). This instantly aligned him with the Pharisees' core belief in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, which the Sadducees vehemently denied. For the Pharisees, defending Paul on this point was tantamount to defending their own theological convictions against their Sadducean rivals, rather than defending Paul as a follower of Christ. They perceived his "crime" as a belief they themselves held, making him an unlikely ally in their ongoing internal struggle within the Sanhedrin.

**What does "let us not fight against God" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "let us not fight against God" (Greek: *mē theomachōmen*) is a profound theological warning issued by the Pharisees. It implies that if Paul's experiences or message, particularly concerning the resurrection or divine communication (via "a spirit or an angel"), were indeed from God, then opposing Paul would be equivalent to opposing God Himself. This echoes the earlier advice of Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, in [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Advice to the Sanhedrin"), who cautioned against persecuting the apostles, lest they be found "fighting against God." In [Acts 23:9](/acts/23-9 "Acts 23:9 - The Pharisees Defend Paul"), it serves as a warning to the Sadducees, suggesting that their rejection of Paul's claims might be a dangerous act of rebellion against divine revelation. It highlights the importance of discerning God's activity and exercising caution before condemning what might be His work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 23:9, though focusing on Paul's immediate deliverance, profoundly points to Christ in its underlying themes. Paul's trial, centered on the resurrection, directly foreshadows the ultimate vindication of Jesus Christ, whose own resurrection from the dead is the cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Resurrection")). The Pharisees' grudging admission, "We find no evil in this man," echoes the multiple declarations of Christ's innocence by figures like Pilate ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Guilt")) and the centurion at the cross ([Luke 23:47](/luke/23-47 "Luke 23:47 - The Centurion's Confession")). Furthermore, the warning "let us not fight against God" takes on its fullest meaning in light of Christ's sovereignty. To oppose Paul, the messenger of the resurrected Christ, is to oppose Christ Himself, who is God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). Just as the Sanhedrin unknowingly stood against God by rejecting Jesus, they risked doing so again by opposing His apostle. Paul's suffering and divine protection in this scene also prefigure the ongoing suffering and ultimate triumph of the Church, the Body of Christ ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")), as it continues to bear witness to the resurrected Lord against all opposition, assured that no one can ultimately fight against God and win.

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 22:17

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Acts 22:18

And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

Acts 22:7

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

John 12:29

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard [it], said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Acts 23:29

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Acts 26:31

And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Acts 25:25

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.