Acts 23:7
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐγένετο
there arose
G1096
ἐγένετο
there arose
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
5 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
στάσις
a dissension
G4714
στάσις
a dissension
Strong's:
G4714
Word #:
6 of 15
a standing (properly, the act), i.e., (by analogy) position (existence); by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
between the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
between the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
8 of 15
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαδδουκαίων
the Sadducees
G4523
Σαδδουκαίων
the Sadducees
Strong's:
G4523
Word #:
11 of 15
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 14:4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.Psalms 55:9Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.Matthew 10:34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Historical Context
This division reflected long-standing theological tensions within Judaism. The same Sanhedrin that united against Jesus now fragmented when forced to address the resurrection's implications.
Questions for Reflection
- What central theological convictions are worth standing firm on even when they create conflict?
- How does the resurrection's reality affect every other aspect of Christian faith and practice?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'great dissension' that arose demonstrates how fundamental theology divides more than peripheral issues. The resurrection question wasn't academic but touched the heart of God's redemptive plan. Paul's statement created chaos not through manipulation but by highlighting the central issue - whether God raises the dead and thus whether Jesus's resurrection validated His messianic claims.