Acts 23:1-5

Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin Acts 23:1-5: Paul appeared before the Sanhedrin to try to resolve the charge of profaning the Temple. He pictured again his religious situation before becoming a Christian. He had been a very religious man, but he was religiously wrong. However, he said, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

The High Priest commanded the people to strike Paul in the mouth. They were gathered to learn the truth, but sadly the High Priest had no interest in truth. Paul called Ananias a "whitewashed wall." He was beautiful on the outside and rotten on the inside. He pretended to be religious, but it did not show in his life. Paul could not tell by his actions that Ananias was High Priest. Paul had too much respect for God to knowingly speak against His authority!