Acts 23 is Paul before the Sanhedrin - outnumbered, under threat of assassination, and visited by the Lord himself with a word: “Be of good cheer.” Luke’s account captures Paul’s theological courage - his bold declaration that the resurrection is the cause for which he stands judged - followed by a divine night vision

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

Paul looked steadfastly at the council and said Men and brothers I have lived in all good conscience Before God to this day But the high priest Ananias commanded those standing by him To strike him on the mouth

Then Paul said to him God will strike you You whitewashed wall for you sit to judge me According to the law and do you command me To be struck contrary to the law Those who stood by said do you revile God’s high priest

Paul said I didn’t know brothers that he was high priest For it is written you shall not speak evil Of a ruler of your people But when Paul perceived that the one part Were Sadducees and the other Pharisees

He cried out in the council Men and brothers I am a Pharisee A son of Pharisees Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I stand judged

When he had said this a disagreement arose Between the Pharisees and Sadducees And the assembly was divided The Sadducees say there is no resurrection Nor angel nor spirit

But the Pharisees confess both A great clamor arose Some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up And contended saying we find nothing wrong in this man What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him

The commanding officer fearing lest Paul Would be torn to pieces by them Commanded the soldiers to go down and take him By force from amongst them And bring him into the barracks

The following night the Lord stood by him and said Be of good cheer Paul for as you have testified Concerning me at Jerusalem So you must testify also at Rome Be courageous

For I stand judged because of the resurrection of the dead

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Acts 23 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press