The Acts of the Apostles - Part 3

Read chapter 23 and then answer the questions.

When the Sanhedrin hastily convenes, Paul takes the initiative without being asked and begins to speak. The high priest then orders Paul to be struck on the mouth.

This is humiliating and is meant to silence Paul.

How does Paul defend himself against the injustice inflicted on him? What does he say to the high priest?

"Whited wall" is an insult. Matthew describes what is meant by this: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like whited sepulchres, which appear beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead mens bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27). This means: Nicely painted on the outside, but inside full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

So he is calling the high priest a hypocrite. With this outcry, Paul has gone too far. He had to apologize.

One might wonder why Paul does not recognize that the high priest is speaking to him.

Was it perhaps because the high priest, who normally wore official robes, was not wearing them because the council had to meet in a hurry? Or was it perhaps because Paul had poor eyesight?

Either way, Paul has to take back his words.

What difference do you notice when you compare this interrogation with the interrogation of the Lord Jesus before the High Priest?

Jesus responded meekly and answered him with a question: