Devine Scripture

Acts 23:7

What does Acts 23:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 23:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 23:7 means

Paul’s statement sparks open disagreement between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly becomes divided. This reaction shows that the resurrection is not a minor point but a defining conviction that separates these groups. Paul has not invented a wedge; he has named the core issue. The dissension also protects him, since a divided accuser cannot render a coherent verdict. In God’s providence, the truth of resurrection unsettles the court organized against Paul. Luke portrays a scene where theological convictions explode into public contention, making it clear that Paul’s message challenges not just behavior but deeply held beliefs about life, death, and the unseen world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he had said this, there was an argument between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and a division in the meeting.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he having spoken this, there came a dissension of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees, and the crowd was divided,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he had spoken this, there was a tumult of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided.

Context

Paul’s confession of resurrection hope exposes and intensifies preexisting divisions within the council. The scene moves from a personal trial to a partisan theological conflict. Luke emphasizes that this is no superficial quarrel: the two groups hold incompatible views about the afterlife and spiritual realities. As the debate grows louder, tempers flare and control slips away from the high priest. In the following verses, Luke will explain the specific doctrinal differences and show that some Pharisees even begin to defend Paul, further fragmenting the council and escalating the turmoil to dangerous levels.

v.6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

v.7This passage

v.8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 14:4

    But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • John 7:40

    Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.

  • Matthew 10:34

    Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

  • Psalms 55:9

    Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue; For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

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