Atos 23
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 23
Wiersbe - When called to account for what he had said, Paul did not apologize. Rather, he showed respect for the office but not for the man. Ananias was indeed one of the most corrupt men ever to be named high priest. He stole tithes from the other priests and did all he could to increase his authority. He was known as a brutal man who cared more for Rome’s favor than for Israel’s welfare. (BEC) John
Atos 23
Wiersbe - “Conscience” is one of Paul’s favorite words; he used it twice in Acts (23:1; 24:16) and twenty-one times in his letters. The word means “to know with, to know together.” Conscience is the inner “judge” or “witness” that approves when we do right and disapproves when we do wrong (Rom. 2:15). Conscience does not set the standard; it only applies it. The conscience of a thief would bother him if he told the truth about his fellow crooks just as much as a Christian’s conscience would convict him if he told a lie about his friends. Conscience does not make the standards; it only applies the standards of the person, whether they are good or bad, right or wrong. Conscience may be compared to a window that lets in the light. God’s Law is the light; and the cleaner the window is, the more the light shines in. As the window gets dirty, the light gets dimmer; and finally the light becomes darkness. A good conscience, or pure conscience (1 Tim. 3:9), is one that lets in God’s light so that we are properly convicted if we do wrong and encouraged if we do right. A defiled conscience (1 Cor. 8:7) is one that has been sinned against so much that it is no longer dependable. If a person continues to sin against his conscience, he may end up with an evil conscience (Heb. 10:22) or a seared conscience (1 Tim. 4:2). Then he would feel convicted if he did what was right rather than what was wrong! Paul had persecuted the church and had even caused innocent people to die, so how could he claim to have a good conscience? He had lived up to the light that he had, and that is all that a good conscience requires. After he became a Christian and the bright light of God’s glory shone into his heart (2 Cor. 4:6), Paul then saw things differently and realized that he was “the chief of sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). (BEC - Acts) Acts 23:2 The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. KJV Acts 23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. NET Acts 23:2 At that the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. GNT Acts 23:2 ὁ δὲ ἀρχιερεὺς Ἁνανίας ἐπέταξεν τοῖς παρεστῶσιν αὐτῷ τύπτειν αὐτοῦ τὸ στόμα. NLT Acts 23:2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. ESV Acts 23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. CSB Acts 23:2 But the high priest Ananias ordered those who were standing next to him to strike him on the mouth. NIV Acts 23:2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. NAB Acts 23:2 The high priest Ananias ordered his attendants to strike his mouth. NKJ Acts 23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. NJB Acts 23:2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered his attendants to strike him on the mouth. GWN Acts 23:2 The chief priest Ananias ordered the men standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. NRS Acts 23:2 Then the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth. YLT Acts 23:2 and the chief priest Ananias commanded those standing by him to smite him on the mouth, to strike him on the mouth 1 Kings 22:24; Jer 20:2; Micah 5:1; Mt 26:67; John 18:22 Video of Paul before the Sanhedrin Acts 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AN UNLAWFUL BLOW The high priest (archiereus) Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth - So much for the idea of innocent until proven guilty! As Knowling says Ananias' "act was illegal and peculiarly offensive to a Jew at the hands of a Jew." The high priest's action reminds us of a similar response to Jesus "When He had said this (Jn 18:20,21), one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, “Is that the way You answer the high priest?”" (John 18:22) NET Note - The action was probably designed to indicate a rejection of Paul’s claim to a clear conscience in the previous verse. William
Atos 23
Wiersbe - As you review the events recorded in this chapter, you cannot help but be impressed with the commitment of the Apostle Paul to his calling. "None of these things move me!" (Acts 20:24) If ever a man dared to follow Christ, come what may, he was that man. Paul did not look for the easy way but for the way that would most honor the Lord and win the lost. He was even willing to become a prisoner if that would further the work of the Gospel. You are also impressed with the amazing providence of God in caring for His servant. "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7, NKJV). "Let us trust in God, and be very courageous for the Gospel," wrote Charles Spurgeon, "and the Lord Himself will screen us from all harm." God's people can afford to be daring, in the will of God, because they know their Saviour will be dependable and work out His perfect will. Paul was alone—but not alone! His Lord was with him and he had nothing to fear. (Bible Exposition Commentary – Be Daring) Andrews - Andrew Murray went through a very difficult time of trial in his life in which he wrote, “First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place; in that face I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child. Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last, in His good time, He can bring me out again—how and when He knows. Let me say I am here: by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, and for His time.” God’s people belong to God—we are His property and He will watch over us, take care of us, provide for us, and use us. God has not promised that life will smooth sailing— without waves. God has not promised us bright days without storms. God has not promised us an easy path without obstacles. God has not promised us care-free living without pain! God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us and to guide us. God has promised to work all things out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. God will work even in the midst of trials and pain— He will give us strength to face the enemy—wisdom to live godly—boldness to speak His gospel!(Ibid) Bruce Barton - LIFE APPLICATION GUARANTEES FOR THE GODLY - When we get involved in God's work, like Paul, we can expect some of the divine benefits Paul experienced: God's Presence (Acts 23:11)—God knows how much we can take and how deep we can sink; when we are doing his work, we can expect him to "stand near" us the way he did with Paul. God's Protection (Acts 23:12-32)—God preserves his children for the work at hand and keeps them safe until it is time to bring them home. God's Platforms (Acts 23:33-35)—God will open doors to new opportunities to share the gospel in strategic situations before many kinds of people. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts)