# Day 349

# Saved from the Jewish Council

Acts 23:1–11

Paul addressed the council. “Brothers,” he began. “I’ve always lived for God.”

The high priest interrupted. “Hit him in the mouth!” he ordered.

“God will hit you, you whitewashed wall!” Paul came back. “You pretend to judge me by the law. But hitting me breaks the law.”

“Do you dare put down God’s high priest?” someone asked.

“I didn’t know he was the high priest,” Paul replied. “The Scriptures say, ‘Don’t speak evil of your leaders.’ ”

Paul explained the truth about the resurrection. “Brothers,” he declared, “I’m on trial because of one thing: The hope of the resurrection of the dead.” So a great hubbub began. Some wanted to let Paul go. Others refused. The argument became violent.

The Roman captain thought, They’re going to tear Paul to pieces. So the soldiers went down and took him out by force.

That night, the Lord stood near Paul. “Be brave,” he said. “You’ve spoken for me here. You’ll speak for me in Rome, too.”

Questions: Why was there a hubbub in the Jewish council? Where did the Lord say Paul would speak for him?