Acts 23: It’s about the Resurrection

When the apostle Paul stood on trial in Jerusalem in Acts 23, he appeared before a mixed audience. Some were Pharisees who believed in the resurrection from the dead and others were Sadducees who did not. Knowing this, Paul appealed to a central and dividing belief, stating in verse six: “I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”

It’s interesting to me that Paul did not make it about religious freedom or politics. He spoke about the resurrection. The topic was as divisive then as it is today. Some believe in the idea; others do not. Either way, a person who follows Jesus is essentially claiming to follow a “dead man walking” so to speak. Resurrection is central to our faith.

When we find ourselves in heated controversies over spiritual issues, we would be wise to follow Paul’s example. It is easy to substitute other “good” issues as our focus when in conflict with our society, but the core idea we must communicate is that we are often on trial due to our belief in the resurrection of Jesus. Without it, we’re no different from anyone else. With the resurrected Jesus, we have a relationship with the Creator of the universe, forgiveness of sins, and eternity in heaven with God.

It’s about the resurrection.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author or co-author of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of the New Testament in 2011 at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.