Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 23:6-11

"But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great clamor: and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: and what if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel? And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the castle. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer: for as thou hast testified concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." — Acts 23:6-11 (ASV)

The Pharisees were correct in the faith of the Jewish church. The Sadducees were no friends to Scripture or divine revelation. They denied a future state, having neither hope of eternal happiness nor dread of eternal misery.

When questioned about being a Christian, Paul could truly say he was being questioned for the hope of the resurrection of the dead. It was justifiable for him, by this profession of his opinion on that disputed point, to divert the Pharisees from persecuting him and to lead them to protect him from this unlawful violence.

How easily can God defend His own cause! Although the Jews seemed to be perfectly agreed in their conspiracy against religion, they were influenced by very different motives. There is no true friendship among the wicked. Indeed, in a moment and with the utmost ease, God can turn their union into open enmity.

Divine consolations were Paul's greatest support; the chief captain rescued him from the hands of cruel men, but Paul could not foretell the outcome.

Whoever is against us, we need not fear, if the Lord stands by us. It is the will of Christ that His servants who are faithful should always be cheerful. He might think he would never see Rome; but God tells him that even in this he would be gratified, since he desired to go there only for the honour of Christ and to do good.