Acts 23

"Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial" (v6).  Paul’s words to the Jewish council of leaders deliberately provoked a conflict between the Sadducees, who didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead, and the Pharisees, who did.  But Paul was also telling the truth: the resurrection of Jesus had changed everything.  Paul had courage to share the gospel and defy civil and religious leaders because he wasn’t afraid of death.

“Take courage” (v11).  We can follow Jesus wherever He leads us because we know we are safe; now and forever, He is with us.