Bible Strands
Acts 23:6
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Sanhedrin immediately after correcting his earlier statement to the high priest, recognizing the council is divided between Sadducees and Pharisees. He speaks directly to the assembled judges to state his lineage and the specific doctrinal issue under trial.
The words — Γνοὺς (Gnous) means "having known," marking Paul's conscious awareness of the council's makeup. ἓν μέρος (hen meros) translates to "one part," identifying the specific faction he names to highlight the group's internal split.
The thread — Paul explicitly links this trial to the resurrection in Acts 24:15 and Acts 24:21, while his lifelong Pharisaic background is documented in Acts 26:5. These references show the same doctrinal focus and personal history appearing across his subsequent defenses.
Why it lands — The text records Paul naming a theological dispute rather than a personal grievance to expose the council's division. It requires readers to observe how a stated hope in the resurrection functions as the actual catalyst for the proceedings.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Cross-references
- Acts 24:15 and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
- Acts 24:21 unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”
- Acts 26:5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.
- Acts 28:20 So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
- Philippians 3:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
- Matthew 22:23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.
- Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
- Acts 22:5 as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.