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1. Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. Acts 23:1; KJV. Paul has been brought before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. Half are Pharisees, who believe in angels, spirits, and the resurrection of the dead, and that's fair, you see. The other half are Sadducees; they do not believe in angels, spirits, or the resurrection of the dead, and that's sad, you see. This crowd Paul is speaking to is intent on killing Paul, yet Paul remains calm. Seeing he is before a split council, Paul exclaimed he is being judged because he is a Pharisee, trained by Gamaliel. Dissension immediately arises as Paul mentioned the resurrection of the dead. Paul is no longer the main target, as the split group turns on each other. The Pharisees are open to Paul's experience of seeing Christ in a vision. This argument becomes so violent that the Captain has Paul removed and sent back to the castle. That night Jesus stands by Paul, saying, Be of good cheer, Paul, as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so will you do in Rome. The lesson: God is in charge of everything. Expect injustice, but obey God's word. God can divide your enemies to protect you. In the darkest moments, the Lord Jesus stands by His people. Amen.