Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Original Language Analysis
Γνοὺς
perceived
G1097
Γνοὺς
perceived
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
1 of 32
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
when Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
when Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 32
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 32
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέρος
part
G3313
μέρος
part
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
8 of 32
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
Σαδδουκαίων
Sadducees
G4523
Σαδδουκαίων
Sadducees
Strong's:
G4523
Word #:
10 of 32
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίου·
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίου·
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
14 of 32
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ἔκραξεν
he cried out
G2896
ἔκραξεν
he cried out
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
15 of 32
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνεδρίῳ
the council
G4892
συνεδρίῳ
the council
Strong's:
G4892
Word #:
18 of 32
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
ἀδελφοί
and brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
and brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
20 of 32
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Φαρισαίου·
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίου·
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
22 of 32
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
υἱὸς
the son
G5207
υἱὸς
the son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
24 of 32
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Φαρισαίου·
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίου·
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
25 of 32
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
26 of 32
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἐλπίδος
the hope
G1680
ἐλπίδος
the hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
27 of 32
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστάσεως
resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
29 of 32
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
Cross References
Acts 24:15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.Acts 24:21Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.Philippians 3:5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;Acts 28:20For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
Historical Context
Pharisees believed in resurrection, angels, and spirits; Sadducees denied all three (verse 8). The Sanhedrin was divided between these parties, representing different approaches to Jewish faith and Roman collaboration.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you wisely identify common ground with some opponents to advance gospel truth?
- What does this teach about recognizing that core theological issues, like resurrection, underlie many disputes?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's strategic declaration - 'I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question' - brilliantly divided the council. This wasn't deception but highlighting how the real issue centered on resurrection, Christianity's core claim. By identifying with Pharisees against Sadducees, Paul created allies and exposed that opposition to Christianity was rooted in denying God's power to raise the dead.