NOTES for Act 23:1-35
Today's reading describes Paul's last attempt to bear witness before those of his own faith (vv. 1–10). His further ministry, it seems, was to be connected no longer with Jerusalem, but with Rome (v. 11). Given the assembly's reaction to his words, this turn of events can hardly be considered unexpected. Indeed, testimony makes sense only when there is at least someone who wants to hear it. When no such person was present, even Jesus Himself remained silent. In the situation the evangelist describes, the most striking figure is the high priest, who ordered Paul to be struck on the mouth (v. 2). Even then, however, the apostle tried to speak of what mattered most: the Resurrection (v. 6). At first sight, Paul's assertion that he is on trial for believing in the resurrection of the dead seems somewhat disingenuous, since it plainly leaves something unsaid and simplifies the situation. Yet it is possible that, on Paul's lips, this assertion was merely a rhetorical device directed primarily at the Pharisees, to whom he himself had belonged before turning to Christ. Indeed, when speaking with Jews, one could hardly find a better starting point for discussing the Resurrection and the Messiah than belief in the Day of Judgment and the general resurrection. Apparently, however, Paul did not have time to finish: a scuffle broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, for whom any mention of the resurrection of the dead was akin, if not to fantasy, then at least to highly questionable theological ideas (vv. 7–9), so that representatives of Roman authority had to intervene (v. 10). In such a situation, there was no point in continuing to preach—not because it was dangerous, but because its result was not conversion to Christ, but quarrels and strife among representatives of different religious parties. Besides, what arguments could persuade those whose life's purpose and meaning had become the killing of the One they regarded as an enemy of their faith and their people (vv. 12–15)? Speaking with a fanatic is obviously pointless, at least until he wishes to free himself from his fanaticism. Thus, only one road remains for Paul: to Rome, where his final witness awaits him. It is no surprise that, in these circumstances, Roman soldiers guard him, a Roman citizen, on that road (vv. 23–33).