Acts 23:28 – “I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, explains why he brought Paul before the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council). This is part of his official letter to Governor Felix, detailing how he handled the situation.

Lysias had arrested Paul in Jerusalem after an angry Jewish mob tried to kill him. At first, the commander was unsure why Paul was being attacked, so he decided to bring him before the Sanhedrin—the Jewish ruling body—to hear their accusations directly. This seemed like a logical way to get to the truth.

However, the meeting did not go as planned. Paul’s defense before the Sanhedrin led to a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees because Paul boldly declared that he was on trial for believing in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6). The resulting chaos forced Lysias to remove Paul from the situation for his own safety.

Lysias’ letter presents his actions as an attempt to conduct a fair investigation, but it does not include all the details. For example, he does not mention that he had previously ordered Paul to be flogged, only stopping when Paul revealed that he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:24-29).

Even though Lysias did not fully understand Paul’s case, God used his decisions to protect Paul and move him toward his ultimate destination—Rome. This verse is another example of how God’s plan unfolds, even through human governments and imperfect leaders.

Historical Context

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem after being falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple. A violent mob formed, and Roman soldiers had to rescue Paul from being beaten to death (Acts 21:30-36).

Lysias initially thought Paul might be a dangerous revolutionary (Acts 21:38), so he tried to determine the real reason for the uproar. He first attempted to interrogate Paul by having him flogged, but when Paul revealed his Roman citizenship, Lysias backed off.

Since Roman officials often allowed local religious leaders to handle their own disputes, Lysias hoped that the Sanhedrin could provide answers about Paul’s case. However, when Paul testified about the resurrection, the council erupted into a violent argument between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Instead of clarifying things, the meeting ended in chaos, forcing Lysias to intervene once again (Acts 23:9-10).

At this point, Lysias realized that Paul was not a dangerous criminal, but he still had to explain the situation to Governor Felix. His letter frames his actions in a way that makes it seem like he was acting wisely and fairly—but he conveniently leaves out his earlier mistakes.

Theological Implications

1. God Uses Government Authorities for His Purposes – Lysias was not acting out of faith in God, but his decisions played a role in protecting Paul and moving him toward Rome, where he would continue preaching the gospel.
2. God’s Plan Cannot Be Stopped by Human Confusion – Even though Lysias and the Sanhedrin did not fully understand Paul’s mission, their actions helped move God’s plan forward.
3. Speaking Boldly for Christ Has Consequences – Paul’s declaration about the resurrection caused division and anger, but he remained faithful in telling the truth.
4. Truth Can Create Division – The Pharisees and Sadducees had very different beliefs, and Paul’s words exposed their differences. In the same way, when believers stand for biblical truth today, it can cause division, but God’s truth must still be spoken.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, is recording an official Roman letter, showing how Paul’s case was being handled legally. Some key points in this verse:

• Formal Report Style – Lysias presents himself as a just and reasonable commander, though he omits certain details.
• A Shift from Jewish to Roman Legal Authority – Up to this point, Paul was being judged by Jewish leaders, but now his case is moving into the hands of Roman officials.
• Tension and Conflict – The verse follows a pattern of increasing conflict—first with the mob, then with the Sanhedrin, and soon before Felix.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”
  • Even though Lysias was not a believer, God was guiding his actions to protect Paul.
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
  • Even though Paul faced injustice and misunderstanding, God was working behind the scenes for a greater purpose.
• Matthew 10:18-20 – “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them… for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
  • Paul was fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy—he was now being taken before Roman leaders to testify about Christ.
• Acts 9:15 – “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”
  • Paul’s legal journey was part of God’s mission for him—to stand before rulers and proclaim the gospel.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers that God is always at work, even in confusing situations. Paul was constantly being misunderstood—by the mob, by the Sanhedrin, and by the Roman commander—but God’s plan was still unfolding perfectly.

It also teaches that standing for truth can lead to conflict. Paul’s declaration about the resurrection created chaos, but he was faithful to the truth. Christians today may also face misunderstanding, opposition, or even persecution for standing on God’s Word.

Additionally, this passage encourages believers to trust God even when leaders and authorities seem confused or unjust. Paul did not panic—he trusted that God was guiding his steps.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He actively protects His people. Paul was surrounded by violence and false accusations, but God ensured that he was not abandoned or forgotten.

God’s love is also seen in His commitment to truth and justice. Even though Paul’s trial was not handled perfectly, God was using the legal system to fulfill His greater plan.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s experience mirrors Jesus’ trial before the Jewish and Roman authorities:

• Both were falsely accused by Jewish leaders – Paul was accused of breaking temple laws, while Jesus was accused of blasphemy (Matthew 26:59-61).
• Both were taken before Roman officials – Paul was now heading to Felix, just as Jesus stood before Pilate (Luke 23:1-3).
• Both were part of a greater plan – Jesus’ trial led to His sacrificial death, while Paul’s trial would lead him to testify in Rome.

However, the biggest difference is that Jesus willingly laid down His life, while Paul was protected because his mission was not yet complete. Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for Paul—and for all believers—to stand boldly for the gospel.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse encourage you to trust that God is at work, even when things seem confusing?
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where people misunderstood your faith? How did you respond?
3. What can we learn from Paul’s boldness in declaring the truth?
4. How does the contrast between Paul’s rescue and Jesus’ willingness to die deepen your appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice?
5. How can Christians today remain faithful when facing opposition for their beliefs?