First ReadingActs 22:30; 23:6-11
From the Acts of the Apostles
30But on the next day,desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews,he freed him from the bondsand commanded the chief priestsand all the council to come together,and brought Paul down and set him before them.
some verses are not read6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadduceesand the other Pharisees,he cried out in the council,“Men and brothers,I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees.Concerning the hopeand resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
7When he had said this,an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees,and the crowd was divided.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,nor angel, nor spirit;but the Pharisees confess all of these.9A great clamor arose,and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up,and contended, saying,“We find no evil in this man.But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him,let’s not fight against God!”
10When a great argument arose,the commanding officer,fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them,commanded the soldiers to go downand take him by force from among themand bring him into the barracks.
11The following night,the Lord stood by him and said,“Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem,so you must testify also at Rome.”