King James Version

What Does Acts 23:6 Mean?

Acts 23:6 in the King James Version says “But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 23:6 · KJV


Context

4

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

5

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

6

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.

7

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's strategic declaration - 'I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question' - brilliantly divided the council. This wasn't deception but highlighting how the real issue centered on resurrection, Christianity's core claim. By identifying with Pharisees against Sadducees, Paul created allies and exposed that opposition to Christianity was rooted in denying God's power to raise the dead.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisees believed in resurrection, angels, and spirits; Sadducees denied all three (verse 8). The Sanhedrin was divided between these parties, representing different approaches to Jewish faith and Roman collaboration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you wisely identify common ground with some opponents to advance gospel truth?
  2. What does this teach about recognizing that core theological issues, like resurrection, underlie many disputes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
Γνοὺς1 of 32

perceived

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

δὲ2 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος4 of 32

when Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ὅτι5 of 32

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ6 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἓν7 of 32

the one

G1520

one

μέρος8 of 32

part

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἐστὶν9 of 32

were

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Σαδδουκαίων10 of 32

Sadducees

G4523

a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite

τὸ11 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ12 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἕτερον13 of 32

the other

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

Φαρισαίου·14 of 32

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ἔκραξεν15 of 32

he cried out

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ἐν16 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συνεδρίῳ18 of 32

the council

G4892

a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal

Ἄνδρες19 of 32

Men

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀδελφοί20 of 32

and brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐγὼ21 of 32

I

G1473

i, me

Φαρισαίου·22 of 32

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

εἰμι23 of 32

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

υἱὸς24 of 32

the son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Φαρισαίου·25 of 32

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

περὶ26 of 32

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἐλπίδος27 of 32

the hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

καὶ28 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναστάσεως29 of 32

resurrection

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

νεκρῶν30 of 32

of the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐγὼ31 of 32

I

G1473

i, me

κρίνομαι32 of 32

am called in question

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 23:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 23:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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