Jesus Promised

Acts 23:6-11 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
 
THE circumstances seemed hopeless. Paul defended his position. The Jews accused. How would this endless cycle of conflict end?
   God stepped in and gave to Paul a way to divide his accusers. Jesus said he would help his apostles defend against their enemies: Mark 13:9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
   Paul became aware Pharisees were in the accusing mob. He declared, “I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee.” Now they are listening more intently. Then Paul spoke the gospel: “I stand on my hope in the resurrection of the dead.”
   Suddenly the Sadducees and Pharisees turned to their endless debate: The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Paul was now innocent in the Pharisees’ view: “We find nothing wrong with this man,” They even defended him with, “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
   Paul had friends, but the violence must have even heightened. The Roman commander removed Paul to protect his life. How sad it is to witness such hatred among men who say, “We follow God’s law.”
   How do you respond to arguments? Do you pray God will give you the words to speak his truth?