Sunday Morning Bible Study — Acts 23: “Be of Good Cheer, Paul.” God’s Sovereign Care in the Midst of Hostility
- Ken Kalis
- Dec 21
- 4 min read
“Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”— Acts 23:11
1. From Witness to Danger (Acts 23:1–10)
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.
The High Priest’s Hypocrisy
Ananias orders Paul struck on the mouth — a violation of Jewish law itself. Paul responds sharply, calling him a “whited wall.”
This moment reminds us:
Religious authority without righteousness is dangerous.
Zeal for tradition can coexist with deep injustice.
God’s servants are not spared humiliation when truth is spoken.
Paul then wisely discerns the council is divided between Pharisees (who believed in resurrection) and Sadducees (who denied it). He declares:
“Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” (v.6)
The room explodes.
Key Insight: Paul is not being evasive — he is revealing the real issue. Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection.
The argument becomes so violent that the Roman commander fears Paul will be torn apart and forcibly removes him.
2. The Lord Stands By His Servant Paul (Acts 23:11)
Then comes one of the most tender verses in the book of Acts:
“And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul…”
This is not poetic language. This is personal presence.
Jesus does not send a message. He does not merely inspire a thought. He stands by Paul.
And He gives him a promise:
“…as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
What this tells us:
Paul’s life is not in danger — until God’s purposes are fulfilled.
Rome is not an accident; it is a destination.
God’s sovereignty does not eliminate suffering — it guarantees purpose.
This verse alone could sustain a believer for a lifetime.
3. A Deadly Plot — and a Quiet Deliverance (Acts 23:12–22)
More than forty men bind themselves with an oath:
“that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.” (v.12)
Religious hatred reaches murderous fanaticism.
Yet God uses the most unexpected instrument to thwart the plot:
Paul’s sister’s son.
A young, unnamed boy overhears the conspiracy and warns Paul, who alerts the Roman authorities.
No miracle. No thunder. No angel with a sword.
Just:
a listening ear
a brave child
a sovereign God
Application: Never underestimate small obligations. God often saves His servants through ordinary faithfulness.
4. God Uses Pagan Power for His Purposes (Acts 23:23–35)
The Roman commander orders:
200 soldiers
70 horsemen
200 spearmen
to escort Paul safely to Caesarea.
An entire military operation is deployed to protect one apostle.
The commander even writes a letter portraying Paul as innocent — ironically defending Christianity better than Israel’s leaders.
Paul is delivered to Governor Felix, alive and unharmed.
The chapter ends quietly:
“I will hear thee… when thine accusers are also come.” (v.35)
Paul waits. But he waits under God’s promise.
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Big Themes for Us Today
1. God Is Sovereign Over Hostile Systems
Religious courts. Roman armies. Political leaders. Secret plots.
None of them controls Paul’s destiny — God does.
2. Courage Is Sustained by Christ’s Presence
The command “Be of good cheer” is not emotional advice. It is grounded in Christ standing by His servant.
3. Witness Often Leads to Waiting
Paul has testified boldly. Now he must wait quietly.
Faithfulness is not always followed by applause — often by patience.
Advent Connection
As we move deeper into Advent, Acts 23 reminds us:
Christ came into a hostile world.
Truth provokes resistance.
God works through hidden faithfulness.
The Kingdom advances quietly, irresistibly.
Jesus stood by Paul. And He stands by His people still.
Discussion Questions
Where have you needed to hear Jesus say, “Be of good cheer”?
How does Acts 23 reshape your view of God’s sovereignty amid conflict?
What “small obedience” might God be using in your life right now?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,You who stood by Paul in the night,stand by us now.Give us courage to speak truth,patience to endure waiting,and faith to trust Your sovereign care. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas,remind us that You are not only born for us —You walk with us still. Amen.
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YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER
O how sweet the glorious message, simple faith may claim
Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.
Still, He loves to save the sinful, heal the sick, and lame
Cheer the mourner, still the tempest, glory to His Name.
Refrain
Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.
All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!
Glory to His Name! Glory to His Name!
All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!
He, who was the Friend of sinners, seeks the lost one now
Sinner come, and at His footstool penitently bow
He who said “I’ll not condemn thee, go and sin no more,”
Speaks to thee that word of pardon as in days of yore.
Refrain
Oft on earth, He healed the sufferer by His mighty hand
Still, our sicknesses and sorrows go at His command
He who gave His healing virtue to a woman’s touch
To the faith that claims His fullness still will give as much.
Refrain
As of old, He walked to Emmaus, with them to abide
So through all life’s way He walketh ever near our side
Soon again we shall behold Him, hasten Lord the day
But twill still be the same Jesus as He went away.
Refrain
Albert B. Simpson, 1890
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and
today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
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