CHILDREN STS LESSON 11 PAUL’S TRIAL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

 TEXT: Acts 23:1-35

The army commander that rescued Apostle Paul from the angry mob, desired to know exactly what he had done wrong. In view of this, he asked the Sanhedrin to try Paul according to the Jewish law.

The Sanhedrin were the council of Jewish rulers made up of religious sects known as Pharisees, Sadducees and elders. They were leaders having the sole responsibility of teaching the people the law of Moses. They were supposed to be examples of godliness to the people. However, they made themselves oppressors who interpreted the word of God to suit their personal wills.

1. PAUL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN:

Acts 23:1-10; 21:27-36

At this trial, Paul did not attempt to answer specific charges because he had not committed any offence. Instead, he based his defence on his relationship with God. This was the reason he opened his defence by declaring that he had walked in good conscience before God. Paul was more concerned about how God would judge him than the Sanhedrin. Though he was a Jew who followed Jesus’ way, he had done nothing to dishonour God.

Paul’s declaration of a good conscience provoked the high priest, who then asked the guards to slap him. The high priest was a corrupt and wicked religious leader. Paul knew that and therefore called him a whited wall, referring to the high priest as a hypocrite and false teacher. Paul later apologised to the high priest. This teaches us that we should be firm in rejecting false teachers and prophets. Also, we must learn to “say sorry” to whoever is offended by our action.

The focus of this point is Paul’s message on Christ’s resurrection. Having known the stand of the Pharisees and Sadducees on this, Paul made the statement to cause confusion between the two sects. They then engaged in a bitter and violent argument, which made the commander to rescue Paul again. He was taken to the barracks of the soldiers for his safety.

It was the Holy Spirit that gave Paul that message. Firstly, to provide a witness to the Jews that they have heard the truth. It is now left for them to either accept or reject it. Secondly, to make a way for Paul to get to the kings and other Roman rulers to give them the gospel. God is not willing that anyone should perish, whether Jews, Gentiles, Pharisees, Sadducees, kings, high priests, governor, presidents or even emperors. His desire for everyone is genuine salvation and deliverance from judgment and hell fire.

Like Paul, we must be fearless, bold and courageous in declaring the truth about salvation through Christ.

2. PLOT TO KILL PAUL EXPOSED:

Acts 23:11-22; 9:19-25

Apostle Paul began his defence by calling his accusers “men and brethren.” This was a mark of respect to the people. We must always show humility and respect to everyone no matter their attitudes. Continually, Paul made them to understand that Jesus Christ had saved him and also made his heart clean and pure “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1b). This attribute should be the desire of every Christian child. Are you saved? Then you must press forward and ask Jesus to purge your heart and make you wholly clean. It is only those who are holy in heart that shall see God. If you are not saved yet, this is the time to repent and ask for forgiveness of your sins. “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). This verse was the assurance from the Lord Jesus who came to Paul personally in the night. It was a divine visitation to refresh and re-energise the apostle for the task ahead. Probably, Paul was anxious and confused about what will happen to him as it appears that he might be killed in Jerusalem and that his plan to carry the gospel to Rome and other places might never be realised. Through the Lord’s visitation, Paul received encouragement that he would witness for God’s cause in Rome. We must always rest on God’s promises to help us in times of need.

After this divine encounter, the plot by the Jews to kill Paul was revealed through his nephew. Because of this, the chief captain provided heavy security with personnel and weapon that conveyed Paul out of Jerusalem to the governor in Caesarea. As the Lord revealed the plan of the enemy and made way for Paul to fulfil his ministry, He will also preserve all friends of Jesus. You do not need to fear or panic. He will never leave nor forsake you. On your part, you must always strive to obey and do the will of God.

3. PAUL SENT TO GOVERNOR FELIX:

Acts 23:23-35; Philippians 3:3-10

The journey to Governor Felix in Caesarea could be referred to as the beginning of the last missionary journey of Paul. Though still under arrest, the purpose of his going to the governor was to provide opportunity to spread the gospel further before his death. A man named Felix was the Roman governor who ruled over the province where the Jews were.

After the plot by the Jews to kill Paul was revealed, the chief captain named Lysias thought it better to remove him from Jerusalem altogether. He decided to send Paul to the capital of the province known as Caesarea. Here, the apostle will be under the direct control of the governor. The chief captain sent Paul to Caesarea with a very tight security details which include: two centurions, two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen with two hundred spearmen. The soldiers delivered Paul safely as a prisoner to the governor who decided to try the case.

Instead of receiving harsh treatment, Paul was kept under house arrest in Felix’s official residence. This development reveal God’s divine direction in the affairs of His servant. It was to fulfil His promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). Jesus has promised to be with His friends in times of persecution. Suffering for the truth is common to all true followers of Jesus. However, God has promised to be with us and even tell us what to say. We do not need to fear. Be a shining light and preach the gospel with boldness. Also be prayerful, watchful and live a holy life every day.

With the wisdom of God, Apostle Paul continued his defence that eventually led to confusion and argument between the Pharisees and Sadducees. This helped to create a way for Paul to be rescued and prepared for trial before Governor Felix in another city. Through all these, God appeared to Paul to give him assurance of His love and present help in time of trouble. God has promised to be with all friends of Jesus all the time especially in times of persecution. Only be sure that your suffering is not as a result of sin.

MEMORY VERSE: “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1).

LESSON: Jesus will always stand by all His faithful servants.

THOUGHT: I will continue to stand for Jesus even in times of persecution.

ACTIVITY: Prayer for missionaries and Christians that are facing persecution.

HOMEWORK: Preach the love of Jesus to sinners around you.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG:

GHS 89 O JESUS I HAVE PROMISED

CHORUSES:

(1) I want everybody to know. (2) It is a great thing to serve Jesus. (3) Jesus’ love is very wonderful.

QUESTIONS:

1. Who were the Sanhedrin?
2. Why was Paul arrested?
3. What was the focus of Paul’s message to the Sanhedrin?
4. How was the plot to kill Paul revealed?
5. Apostle Paul was sent to Governor ______ because of the plot to kill him.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:

1. Conscience
2. Re-energise
3. Divine
4. Centurion