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. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Acts 23:6-8

Paul was in a tough spot, but he knew one quick way to divide a crowd, have a theological debate! Paul , who was a Pharisee, knew that the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection or the supernatural world. So the best way to beat them is to divide them, and he started a huge theological argument between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

Sadly many of our Churches are like this today, divided over theological differences and interpretations. It shows you how foolish it looks, how can we be one Body of Christ, when we can’t fellowship over differences of opinion.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Acts 23:9-11

The only way you can explain these events is God saved Paul. The crowd was angry and they were looking to “pull Paul into pieces” however all of sudden, the Pharisees and the Romans decided to take compassion on Paul and save him. And we know God was with Paul because later than The Lord spoke to Paul “Take Courage, you must testify about me in Rome” meaning God was not done with Paul yet, he still had another mission for him, therefore Paul was still alive no matter what man wanted to do to him! Gods divine providence!

No matter what is going on in your life, God has the final say, He can make a way when there seems to be no way! We see this here in Pauls story, the religious leaders and the crowd, were looking to kill Paul, but God saved him, because he had a purpose for his life. The fact that you are still alive today, means God still has a purpose and plan for your life! Follow Christ and fulfill your calling Amen!