Acts 23:9 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Scribes of the Pharisees rise to defend Paul: they find no evil in him, and if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, they dare not fight against God.
What Does Acts 23:9 Mean?
Scribes of the Pharisees' party now rise for the prisoner. "We find no evil in this man" echoes the verdict once spoken over Jesus (Luke 23:4). Recalling Paul's account of the voice from heaven on the Damascus road (Acts 22:6-10), they grant what their doctrine allows: perhaps a spirit or an angel really has spoken to him.
"Let us not fight against God" repeats the counsel of Gamaliel, their own great teacher, spoken over the apostles years before (Acts 5:38-39). It remains wisdom: when God is at work, opposition is futile. Yet there is sorrow in it too — men can grasp the principle, defend the messenger, and still stop short of bowing to the risen Lord at the center of his message.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 23:9
What does Acts 23:9 mean?
Scribes of the Pharisees rise to defend Paul: they find no evil in him, and if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, they dare not fight against God.