Joe: Alright, so what's going on in Acts 23?

Bible Expert: Well, in this chapter Paul was arrested by the Jewish leaders and was taken before the High Priest Ananias. The High Priest commanded those standing near Paul to slap him.

Joe: Whoa! That's intense.

Bible Expert: Yes, Paul then asked the High Priest if it was lawful for him to be hit like that without a trial and the High Priest replied that he had no idea who Paul was.

Joe: Wow, so the High Priest didn't even know who Paul was?

Bible Expert: Exactly. Then Paul revealed that he was a member of the Sanhedrin and the High Priest was outraged. He then ordered the members of the Sanhedrin to examine Paul.

Joe: What did they find out?

Bible Expert: They found out that Paul was from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and that he had been brought up in Jerusalem. The High Priest then asked Paul if he was willing to stand trial for being a Christian and Paul agreed.

Joe: So what happened after that?

Bible Expert: Well, some of the Jews plotted to kill Paul but Paul's nephew overheard the plot and informed the Roman commander. The commander ordered that Paul be protected in the barracks and sent some of his soldiers to guard him.

Joe: Wow, that was a close call! So what happened after that?

Bible Expert: The commander then ordered that Paul be taken to Caesarea to stand trial before the Roman governor, Felix. Paul arrived in Caesarea and was held there for two years until Felix was replaced by Festus.