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.

ACTS 23:9KJV
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Acts 23:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:9 mean?

Acts 23:9 describes a heated argument breaking out between the Pharisees and Sadducees during Paul’s trial, with the Pharisees’ scribes defending Paul by saying they find no wrongdoing in him and warning that if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, they should not oppose God. The verse shows the Pharisees’ willingness to consider supernatural experiences and their caution about resisting what might be God’s work.

In this scene, Paul is standing before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), and a division arises between the Pharisees and Sadducees over his claims. The Pharisees’ scribes—experts in the law—argue in Paul’s favor, suggesting openness to the possibility that Paul’s message could be from God. This moment highlights the deep differences between the two groups and how those differences affect their response to Paul.

The Greek behind Acts 23:9

  • κράζω (kraugē, “cry”): The word translated as “cry” means a loud outcry or uproar, emphasizing the intensity and chaos of the scene as the council erupts in argument.
  • ἐμαχοντο (emachonto, “strove”): This word means to fight or dispute strongly, showing that the disagreement wasn’t mild but a serious and passionate conflict.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, “spirit”): The Pharisees mention a “spirit,” which in this context refers to a supernatural being or influence, reflecting their belief in such things—unlike the Sadducees, who denied them.
  • ἄγγελος (angelos, “angel”): The mention of an “angel” further highlights the Pharisees’ openness to supernatural intervention, which is central to their argument for caution.

Why Acts 23:9 matters

  • Acts 23:9 clears up that not all Jewish leaders were united against Paul; some, like the Pharisees, were open to his claims because of their beliefs about the supernatural.
  • The verse reveals how Paul’s strategy of mentioning the resurrection created division among his accusers, shifting the focus from himself to the theological differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees.
  • This moment connects to the broader narrative by showing how Paul’s understanding of his audience and their beliefs played a role in his defense and survival.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Greek G2906 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
  • Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
  • Revelation 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

“part” Greek G3313 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.