The religious ruling body of Israel (the Sanhedrin) was composed of priests, elders and scribes

– members from two parties: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And they did not always agree.

Paul used this fact to distract the Sanhedrin shortly after he realized he had insulted the high

priest.

When Paul realized that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part were

Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I

am being judged because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!” When he said this,

a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was

divided. For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and neither angel nor spirit, but

the Pharisees affirm them all.

The shouting grew loud, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party got up and

argued vehemently, “We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit or an angel has

spoken to him?”

When the dispute became violent, the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart by

them and ordered the troops to go down, take him away from them, and bring him into

the barracks. (Acts 23:6-10 CSB).

The Pharisees and the Sadducees became violent. They allowed their dispute to erupt. The

body of religious leaders that God had ordained chose party over their mission: lead the people

religiously.

The application to our churches today is striking. Are we allowing our allegiance to one party or

another to interfere with the Church’s mission today?

More importantly, are you allowing your allegiance to party to interfere with your ability to tell

others about Jesus? Is it more important to debate or post political statements in the name of

your faith than to tell others your faith?

If so, how does that end well? Doesn’t the world get confused when Christians of both parties

self-righteously state their opinion (using the Bible) and argue? Why would anyone want to be a

part of that?



Brothers and Sisters, don’t allow the enemy to distract the church. Keep your eye on the

mission: letting the world know about our Amazing Jesus. He is all that matters.

By LaRaine Rice