Acts 23

     23:1.  How could “the chief of sinners” say that he had lived his life with a perfectly good conscience?  It was true.  Even as a persecutor of the church, he says that he was “as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.”  But he could not depend on conscience or the Law (Phip.3:6,9).

     23:3.  “…you whitewashed wall!” is a reference to Ezek.13:8-16.  The blow was a violation of the Law, because Paul was innocent until proven guilty.

     23:5.  Perhaps Paul implies the question, “Can such a corrupt man actually be the high priest?”

     23:9.  Their question may spring from his defense in Acts 22:6ff.

     23:11.  Jesus’ encouragement would need to strengthen Paul for two years of imprisonment.  Not only would he testify to Christ in Jerusalem, but before governors and kings, and eventually in the belly of the world beast itself, in the courts in Rome.  It was Paul’s duty, like a faithful watchman, to sound the alarm.  Judgment is coming.  Even those who will not believe must hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.  All men need to hear it, because all men are sinners under condemnation.

     23:12.  One wonders what became of these men after four or five days without food or water.  There was a sacrifice provided under the Law to atone for the guilt of a thoughtless oath, whether good or bad (Lev.5:4-6), but this curse on their own soul was not thoughtless.

     23:12-35.  Luke is a careful historian, and Claudius Lysias’ letter to Felix is an interesting historical document.  It is not surprising that he gilded the lily a bit about his rescue of a Roman citizen from the Jews.  But there is no doubt that he saved Paul’s life, while getting rid of a hot potato.