Smack Down

S
Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "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." Acts 23:6

O
Paul, having been dragged into "court", realizes that it is divided between Sadducees and Pharisees. He identifies himself with the Pharisees, and claims to be on trial for his beliefs, those of the Pharisees: "the hope" and "the resurrection of the dead."

A
Paul is feisty here. He's not backing off one bit. Having been smacked in the mouth at the High Priest's command, he doesn't cower, but tries to turn the debate to his favor. He exploits the differing beliefs between the Sadducees and Pharisees to get one side routing for him. His boldness is really different from the way Jesus acted when He was on trial, but it's clear from later on in the chapter that Jesus appears to Paul in order to encourage, rather than correct him. Paul is both shrewd and bold. Maybe even a bit of a hothead for Christ. Am I, or do I worry too much about giving offense?

P
Dear Lord, make me as bold and shrewd as Paul, for Your sake. Let me always be motivated by my love for others, the hope of their salvation, and never by the desire to "win" a debate.