Acts 23

“It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial” (v6). Paul, on trial before the Jewish council, spoke the truth that defined him and would also divide his accusers.  To the Pharisees, the “resurrection of the dead” meant their hope in the future afterlife (as opposed to the Sadducees, v7), but Paul served the already-risen Messiah who had appeared to him. Paul’s faith in Jesus disturbed both the government and the religious authorities.  

“Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome” (v11). Our testimony does not center on a religious system, but on our living Savior-King, Jesus.