Acts 23:7
New International Version
When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

New Living Translation
This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees—

English Standard Version
And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Berean Standard Bible
As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Berean Literal Bible
And of him saying this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.

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

New King James Version
And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.

New American Standard Bible
When he said this, a dissension occurred between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

NASB 1995
As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

NASB 1977
And as he said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.

Legacy Standard Bible
As he said this, there was dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Amplified Bible
When he said this, an angry dispute erupted between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the [whole crowded] assembly was divided [into two factions].

Christian Standard Bible
When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

American Standard Version
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.

Contemporary English Version
As soon as Paul said this, the Pharisees and the Sadducees got into a big argument, and the council members started taking sides.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After Paul said that, the Pharisees and Sadducees began to quarrel, and the men in the meeting were divided.

Good News Translation
As soon as he said this, the Pharisees and Sadducees started to quarrel, and the group was divided. (

International Standard Version
After he said that, an angry quarrel broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided,

Majority Standard Bible
As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

NET Bible
When he said this, an argument began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

New Heart English Bible
When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

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

Weymouth New Testament
These words of his caused an angry dispute between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly took different sides.

World English Bible
When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he having spoken this, there came a dissension of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees, and the crowd was divided,

Berean Literal Bible
And of him saying this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.

Young's Literal Translation
And he having spoken this, there came a dissension of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees, and the crowd was divided,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having spoken this, there was a dissension of the Pharisees and Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the multitude was divided.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had said this, a dissension occurred between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the multitude was divided.

New American Bible
When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided.

New Revised Standard Version
When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had said this, there arose a dissension between the Phar’i-sees and the Sad’du-cees: and the people were divided.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
When he had said this, The Pharisees and The Sadducees fell one upon the other, and the group was divided.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided.

Godbey New Testament
And he speaking this, there was a dissension of the Pharisees and Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

Haweis New Testament
So when he had said this, a great dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

Mace New Testament
at these words the Pharisees and the Sadducees were all in confusion, the whole assembly being divided:

Weymouth New Testament
These words of his caused an angry dispute between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly took different sides.

Worrell New Testament
And, when he said this, there arose a dissension of the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the multitude was divided.

Worsley New Testament
Upon his saying this, there rose a contention between the pharisees and the sadducees; and the people were divided.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Before the Sanhedrin
6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is neither a resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.…

Cross References
Matthew 22:23-33
That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. / “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. ...

Mark 12:18-27
Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him: / “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. ...

Luke 20:27-40
Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. / “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife but died childless. ...

Acts 4:1-2
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Acts 5:17
Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out

Acts 15:5
But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”

Acts 17:32
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”

Acts 22:30
The next day the commander, wanting to learn the real reason Paul was accused by the Jews, released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

Acts 24:21
unless it was this one thing I called out as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

Acts 26:6-8
And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, / the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. / Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

Acts 28:23-24
So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. / Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? / If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. / And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith. ...

Philippians 3:5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Genesis 18:25
Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”

Exodus 3:6
Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.


Treasury of Scripture

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

there.

Acts 14:4
But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Psalm 55:9
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Matthew 10:34
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

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Angry Argument Assembly Broke Caused Crowd Different Dispute Dissension Divided Division Meeting Multitude Occurred Pharisees Sadducees Sad'ducees Sides Tumult Words
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Acts 23
1. As Paul pleads his cause,
2. Ananias commands them to strike him.
7. Dissension among his accusers.
11. God encourages him.
14. The Jews' vow to kill Paul,
20. is declared unto the chief captain.
27. He sends him to Felix the governor.














As soon as he had said this
This phrase refers to the immediate reaction to Paul's statement in the previous verse, where he declared his belief in the resurrection of the dead. This belief was a central tenet of Pharisaic doctrine but was rejected by the Sadducees. Paul's strategic mention of the resurrection was intended to create a division among his accusers, highlighting the theological rift between the two groups. This tactic reflects Paul's deep understanding of Jewish sects and their beliefs.

a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees
The Pharisees and Sadducees were two prominent Jewish sects during the Second Temple period. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, while the Sadducees denied these doctrines, focusing instead on the written Torah and rejecting oral traditions. This theological disagreement was significant and often led to conflicts. The dispute here underscores the deep-seated divisions within the Jewish leadership and highlights the contentious nature of religious debates at the time.

and the assembly was divided
The assembly, likely the Sanhedrin, was the highest Jewish council in Jerusalem, composed of both Pharisees and Sadducees. The division within the assembly illustrates the lack of unity among the Jewish leaders and their inability to present a united front against Paul. This division also serves to protect Paul temporarily, as the focus shifts from him to the internal conflict. Theologically, this division can be seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' words in Matthew 10:34-36, where He speaks of bringing division, even among close groups, due to differing beliefs about Him and His teachings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is on trial and strategically mentions his belief in the resurrection to create division among his accusers.

2. Pharisees
A Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and belief in the resurrection, angels, and spirits.

3. Sadducees
A Jewish sect that denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits, often associated with the priestly and aristocratic classes.

4. Sanhedrin
The assembly or council of Jewish leaders, including both Pharisees and Sadducees, before whom Paul is brought.

5. Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, a central location for Jewish religious and political life.
Teaching Points
The Power of Strategic Wisdom
Paul uses his knowledge of the theological differences between the Pharisees and Sadducees to his advantage. This teaches us the importance of understanding our audience and using wisdom in our interactions.

The Centrality of the Resurrection
The resurrection is a core tenet of Christian faith, as evidenced by its ability to cause division among those who deny it. Believers are called to hold firmly to this truth.

Unity and Division
The division between the Pharisees and Sadducees serves as a reminder of how doctrinal differences can lead to conflict. Christians are encouraged to seek unity in essential beliefs while handling disagreements with grace.

Courage in Witness
Paul's boldness in proclaiming his beliefs, even in the face of opposition, challenges us to stand firm in our faith and witness.

God's Sovereignty in Conflict
Despite the chaos and division, God's purposes are being fulfilled. This reassures us that God is in control, even in seemingly tumultuous situations.(7) There arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.--As a strategic act St. Paul's words had immediately the effect which he desired. They prevented the hasty unanimous vote which might otherwise have united the two parties, as they had been united in the case of Stephen, in the condemnation of the blasphemer. What follows shows that it was not without results as regards the higher aim.

Verse 7. - Sadducees for the Sadducees, A.V.; assembly for multitude, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As soon as
Τοῦτο (Touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

he
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

had said [this],
λαλοῦντος (lalountos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

a dispute
στάσις (stasis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4714: From the base of histemi; a standing, i.e. position; by implication, a popular uprising; figuratively, controversy.

broke out
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

between the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Pharisees
Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Sadducees,
Σαδδουκαίων (Saddoukaiōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4523: Probably from Sadok; a Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

assembly
πλῆθος (plēthos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4128: A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.

was divided.
ἐσχίσθη (eschisthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4977: To rend, divide asunder, cleave. Apparently a primary verb; to split or sever.


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NT Apostles: Acts 23:7 When he had said this an argument (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 23:6
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