Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 23:3? 2. How does Acts 23:3 demonstrate the importance of confronting hypocrisy in leadership? 3. What Old Testament laws might Paul reference when calling the high priest a "whitewashed wall"? 4. How can we apply Paul's boldness in Acts 23:3 to our daily lives? 5. In what ways does Acts 23:3 encourage accountability within the church community? 6. How does Acts 23:3 relate to Jesus' teachings on hypocrisy in Matthew 23? 7. Why did Paul call the high priest a "whitewashed wall" in Acts 23:3? 8. How does Acts 23:3 reflect on the theme of hypocrisy in religious leadership? 9. What historical context explains Paul's reaction in Acts 23:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 23? 11. Are Christians often perceived as hypocritical? 12. What did Jesus mean by "whitewashed tombs"? 13. Why do the charges against Paul in Acts 25:7 remain vague, and how does this ambiguity align or conflict with other New Testament accounts of similar trials? 14. How can Romans 5:12-13 speak of sin causing universal guilt when nonbelievers or infants appear incapable of consciously breaking any law? Discussion Questions 1. How does Paul's response to Ananias challenge us to address hypocrisy in our own lives and communities?2. In what ways can we balance respect for authority with the need to speak out against injustice, as Paul did? 3. How does the concept of "whitewashed walls" apply to modern-day situations in the church or society? 4. What can we learn from Paul's example about maintaining integrity and courage in the face of false accusations or trials? 5. How do other scriptures about God's justice and judgment provide comfort and guidance when we face unfair treatment?1. How does Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the context of our audience when sharing the gospel? 2. How does Paul's boldness in facing the Sanhedrin inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith amid trials? 3. How does the conflict between the Pharisees and Sadducees highlight the role of doctrine in causing divisions within religious groups? 4. How did Paul demonstrate wisdom and discernment in his defense before the Sanhedrin? 5. How does God's protection over Paul in this chapter strengthen our trust in God's providence in our own lives? 6. How can Paul's handling of his situation be a model for Christians dealing with unfair treatment today? 7. How does the divine assurance given to Paul inspire us to persevere in our faith journey? 8. How does the thwarted assassination plot demonstrate the sovereignty of God in the lives of His servants? 9. How does Paul's transfer to Caesarea shed light on God's mysterious ways of leading His servants? 10. How can we learn from Paul's respect towards the high priest, despite the hostility he received? 11. How does Acts 23 inspire us to seek God's guidance and protection when faced with danger or adversity? 12. How does Paul's confrontation with the Sanhedrin inform our understanding of Christian leadership and the courage it requires? 13. What lessons can be gleaned from the Romans' role in protecting Paul? 14. How does the assassination plot provide insight into the extremity of opposition that the early Christians faced? 15. How does this chapter challenge us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems uncertain or dangerous? 16. How does Paul's journey to Caesarea symbolize the spreading of the gospel beyond Jerusalem? 17. How does this chapter illustrate the role of the Roman Empire in the spread of Christianity? 18. How does Acts 23 challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility? 19. How does this chapter deepen our understanding of God's protection and guidance over His servants? 20. What does Paul's experience in this chapter teach us about confronting opposition and hardship with wisdom, courage, and faith in the present-day context? Links Acts 23:3 NIVActs 23:3 NLT Acts 23:3 ESV Acts 23:3 NASB Acts 23:3 KJV Acts 23:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |



