Acts 23:6-11 NRSVue
6When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8(The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angel or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) 9Then a great clamor arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.
11That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
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Further reflection
Paul played on the theological divisions between the ruling factions, Pharisees and Saducees. Jesus had warned us: /When you are dragged before the Sanhedrin, do not think beforehand how you will answer/. Paul did not think beforehand. He used his wits, and jumped at an opportunity of diverting anger from himself. To be a Christian does not mean that you act stupid.
Give me the grace, Lord, to use my head in the here and now.