Acts 23:1-35, NLT
Acts of the Apostles 23
1Gazing intently at the high council,*23:1 Greek Sanhedrin; also in 23:6, 15, 20, 28. Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
2Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth.
4Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
5“I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’*23:5 Exod 22:28.”
6Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”
7This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees—
11That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
The Plan to Kill Paul
12The next morning a group of Jews*23:12 Greek the Jews. got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
16But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul.
18So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information.
22“Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.
Paul Is Sent to Caesarea
23Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops.
26“From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!
27“This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety.
31So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris.
35“I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.*23:35 Greek Herod’s Praetorium.