Clear conscience, costly witness: Paul before the Sanhedrin

The B.C. Catholic reports that during his trial before the Sanhedrin described in Acts chapter 23, Paul maintained he had always lived with a clear conscience. Paul declared he was a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee, stating he was on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead.

This declaration caused a split within the assembly between the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, angels, and spirits, and the Pharisees, who affirm these beliefs. Scribes noted they could find no fault in Paul, suggesting that perhaps a spirit or an angel had spoken to him.

During the proceedings, the high priest ordered someone to strike Paul on the mouth. Paul responded that God would strike the high priest. While Paul did not know the man was the high priest at the time, some saints view this as a prophecy, noting the high priest was assassinated in AD 66. When others objected to Paul's manner of speaking, he humbly admitted his fault.