Paul, a Pharisee, addresses the Sanhedrin, a Jewish council, and is struck by the high priest, Ananias. Paul responds by quoting Scripture and acknowledging his respect for the office of the high priest, despite his personal feelings towards Ananias. The Pharisees and Sadducees, two groups within Judaism, are at odds with each other, and Paul's words inadvertently fuel their disagreement. The commander, Claudius Lysias, intervenes to protect Paul, and the Lord appears to him in a vision, encouraging him to continue testifying about Jesus, first in Jerusalem and then in Rome.
[... more]