Acts 23:6-11

Paul was assured that he would go to Rome Acts 23:6-11: As Paul stood before the Sanhedrin he realized that they were a very divide group. They were divided concerning the resurrection from the dead. "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection." (Matthew 22:23) The Pharisee realized that Paul was called into question concerning the resurrection of the dead. They realized that to reject the resurrection was to fight against Almighty God. The contention was very strong between these two groups. They were so angry with one another that the commander feared that Paul might be torn to pieces. He sent soldiers down to bring him, by force, to the castle.

This must have been a discouraging time for Paul. But, "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 23:11) Discouragement is one of the Devils most powerful tools. He has used "discouragement" to remove many men from the pulpits in churches of Christ. Discouragement is the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles. It is the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well. Many brethren have blessed my life, and lifted my heart and hands. On the other hand there are those that have discouraged the hearts of young preachers and even older preachers. What a terrible thing to answer for on the Day of Judgment. "...Our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying..." (Deuteronomy 1:28)