Paul's Defense Before the Sanhedrin

This episode constituted Paul's third defense of his gospel in Jerusalem and his only formal appearance before Israel's rulers. In this sense Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin represented his formal defense before the nation of Israel. From here his testimony would be directed toward Gentile authorities, culminating with an appearance before Caesar himself. What is most notable about the present account is the way Paul summarized the charges against him. The Jews - along with the Sanhedrin - were accusing Paul of opposing Moses, the sanctuary, the covenant people of Israel, and so God HImself. Paul's contention - seemingly unrelated to those charges - was that he was on trial for "the hope and resurrection from the dead." This message considers that claim, its answer to the charges, and its crucial importance in Paul's understanding of the gospel of the kingdom.