Acts 23:9

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.

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.

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?”

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?”

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?

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."

Context

This verse describes a pivotal moment during the apostle Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court in Jerusalem. Having been arrested and brought before this council, Paul, keenly aware of the theological divisions within the Sanhedrin, strategically declared himself a Pharisee on trial for the hope of the resurrection of the dead (see Acts 23:6). This declaration immediately exploited the deep-seated theological rift between the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, and the Sadducees, who did not. The resulting uproar led to the Pharisees defending Paul, as recorded in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Division: Paul's astute understanding of his audience allowed him to turn their internal conflicts into a means of self-defense, demonstrating his wisdom and the Holy Spirit's guidance in his trials.
  • Divine Intervention and Protection: The sudden shift in Paul's favor, orchestrated by the Pharisees, highlights God's protective hand over His servant, ensuring Paul's mission would continue despite intense opposition.
  • Recognition of Innocence: Even some of Paul's accusers, specifically the Pharisees, acknowledged his lack of wrongdoing, stating, "We find no evil in this man." This testimony of his innocence would be echoed by Roman officials later.
  • Warning Against Opposing God: The Pharisees' caution, "let us not fight against God," reflects a profound theological principle. They considered the possibility that Paul's message, or his experience, might indeed be of divine origin, and opposing it would be tantamount to opposing God Himself. This echoes the earlier advice of Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, in Acts 5:39.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "strove" is diamachomai (διαμάχομαι), which means "to fight thoroughly," "to contend fiercely," or "to dispute vehemently." This emphasizes the intensity of the debate and contention that erupted between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The phrase "let us not fight against God" (μὴ θεομαχῶμεν - *mē theomachōmen*) contains the unique Greek word *theomacheo*, meaning "to fight against God." This term encapsulates the serious warning issued by the Pharisees, suggesting that hindering Paul might be resisting God's will.

Practical Application

Acts 23:9 reminds believers that God often works through unexpected means and even through the divisions of opponents to accomplish His purposes. It encourages faithfulness in the face of adversity, trusting that God will provide protection and open doors where there seem to be none. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder for all to consider carefully before opposing a message or a person, lest they find themselves inadvertently "fighting against God." Discernment and humility are crucial in evaluating spiritual matters, recognizing that God's truth may come in surprising packages.

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 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.

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