Paul spoke to the Sanhedrin, but was almost immediately stopped by the high priest Ananias. This is not the same Ananias who was involved in Jesus' trial. This one was noted for being violent, and during a revolt against Rome was assassinated by his own people. The priests seem to have been prone to violence. To add to the parallels with Jesus, Paul accused Ananias of being a whitewashed wall. The priest was of course violating the Law himself in striking Paul.
Next Paul starts an argument amongst the Sanhedrin itself. The Pharisees believed in the concept of resurrection, the Saducees did not. Knowing this, Paul spoke about the resurrection. The Sanhedrin members seem to have a remarkable lack of self-control, and a fierce argument immediately broke out between the Saducees and Pharisees. The Pharisees even sided with Paul.
The debate was hardly reasoned and orderly, and the Romans took Paul away in order to stop further violence breaking out.
That night the Lord appears to Paul to encourage him. He also tells him that he will testify about Christ in Rome, so whatever happens in Jerusalem, Paul would not be killed.
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