Acts 23 opens immediately after Paul’s defense before the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin). He begins boldly: “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” (v.1) That single sentence triggers outrage.

This chapter reminds us that the Christian life is not without hardship, but that grace is stronger than stones. Paul’s endurance was not natural courage; it was Christ’s life within him. He could stand again because Jesus stood for him.