Act 23:1 | MHM | STEP | Paul's Second Defence Paul is now brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. Maybe he thought this group would understand him better than the Roman rulers, but even here he meets strong opposition. In this section, we see Paul's courage, how he claims his innocence, how he is treated unfairly, and his respectful attitude even when facing insult. v. 1 : Paul stands before the council with confidence. He is not afraid, even though this group once gave him authority to persecute Christians. Paul looks at them boldly, just as God told Ezekiel, I have made your face strong against their faces; do not be afraid (Ezekiel 3:8-9 ). Paul declares, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day . He means that he has always tried to do what is right. Even before he became a Christian, he wanted to please God, even if he was mistaken. Since his conversion, he has acted honestly, aiming to serve God. This is the mark of a true follower—living in a way that pleases God and keeping a clear conscience (Hebrews 13:18 ).

‏ Acts 23:1

Paul's Second Defence

Paul is now brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. Maybe he thought this group would understand him better than the Roman rulers, but even here he meets strong opposition. In this section, we see Paul's courage, how he claims his innocence, how he is treated unfairly, and his respectful attitude even when facing insult.

v. 1: Paul stands before the council with confidence. He is not afraid, even though this group once gave him authority to persecute Christians. Paul looks at them boldly, just as God told Ezekiel, I have made your face strong against their faces; do not be afraid (Ezekiel 3:8-9 ^a). Paul declares, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. He means that he has always tried to do what is right. Even before he became a Christian, he wanted to please God, even if he was mistaken. Since his conversion, he has acted honestly, aiming to serve God. This is the mark of a true follower—living in a way that pleases God and keeping a clear conscience (Hebrews 13:18 ^b).