Acts 23 - God’s Sovereignty in the Midst of Chaos

Introduction:

History is filled with stories of powerful leaders and empires who believed they could control the course of events. Think of Julius Caesar, who crossed the Rubicon and changed the fate of Rome forever, or Napoleon, who swept across Europe with dreams of an unstoppable empire, Alexander the Great, who conquered everything east of Greece to India. Yet, for all their power and planning, history shows that even the greatest human schemes are fragile. Empires rise and fall. Leaders come and go. Plans unravel in the face of unexpected events.

But there is a greater story running through history—a story not shaped by chance or human ambition, but by the sovereign hand of God. The Bible tells us that God “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21, ESV), and that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 4:17, ESV). No matter how chaotic or out of control things may seem, God is always at work, guiding history toward His purposes.

Just as history’s greatest leaders discovered that their power had limits, the Apostle Paul found himself standing before the most powerful religious court in Jerusalem—the Sanhedrin. On the surface, it looked like Paul was at the mercy of men who opposed him, men who thought they held his fate in their hands. But as we’ll see in Acts 23:1–10, God’s sovereignty is not threatened by human opposition. In fact, God uses even the schemes and divisions of people to accomplish His will.

I. God’s Sovereignty Over Human Opposition (Acts 23:1–10)

A. Paul’s Boldness Before the Sanhedrin

Paul stands before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and boldly declares his clear conscience before God (Acts 23:1). When struck on the mouth, he rebukes the high priest, showing both courage and a commitment to truth (vv. 2–5). Paul then wisely perceives the council’s division between Pharisees and Sadducees and uses this to his advantage, declaring his hope in the resurrection—a doctrine the Pharisees affirm but the Sadducees deny (vv. 6–8). This causes a sharp dispute, dividing the council and shifting the focus away from Paul.

B. God Uses Division for His Purposes

Paul’s actions, though bold and strategic, are ultimately under God’s sovereign hand. The division in the Sanhedrin, which could have led to Paul’s harm, instead results in his protection. God is not surprised by opposition; He uses even the schemes and divisions of people to accomplish His will. This echoes Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” God’s sovereignty is not threatened by human opposition; rather, He weaves it into His redemptive plan.

Key Point: God is not surprised by opposition. He can use even the schemes and divisions of people to accomplish His will.

Quote: “God’s sovereignty does not negate our responsibility, but it does guarantee His ultimate victory.” —Charles Stanley

Illustration

Imagine a chess grandmaster playing against several opponents at once. The opponents make moves to trap him, but the grandmaster sees the whole board and uses their moves to set up his own victory. In the same way, God is never outmaneuvered by human opposition. He uses even the chaos and conflict to fulfill His purposes.

Application:

When you face opposition—whether at work, in your family, or for your faith—remember that God is not surprised or powerless. He can use even the resistance of others to accomplish His good purposes in your life. Instead of responding with fear or anger, ask God for wisdom and courage, like Paul, to stand firm and trust Him with the outcome (James 1:5; Romans 8:31).

Paul’s experience before the Sanhedrin reminds us that God is in control, even when people oppose us. But sometimes, the greatest battles aren’t just external—they’re internal. After facing public opposition and chaos, Paul found himself alone, likely discouraged and uncertain about what would happen next. It’s in these quiet, vulnerable moments that we most need to know God’s sovereignty isn’t just about controlling events “out there”—it’s about His presence with us “right here.” Let’s see how God meets Paul in his discouragement.

II. God’s Sovereignty in Our Discouragement (Acts 23:11)

A. Jesus Stands By Paul

After the tumultuous events, Paul is likely discouraged and fearful. But in the night, the Lord Jesus stands by him and says, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome” (Acts 23:11, ESV). Jesus’ presence and promise assure Paul that God’s plan is still on track, despite the apparent chaos.

Key Point: In moments of fear or discouragement, Jesus is near. God’s plans are not derailed by chaos or opposition (Psalm 46:1–2).

Quote: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” —Corrie ten Boom

Illustration

Think of a child lost in a crowd, feeling afraid and alone. Suddenly, the child hears their parent’s voice and feels a hand on their shoulder. The fear melts away because the parent is near. In the same way, Jesus stands by us in our darkest moments, reminding us that we are not alone.

Application:

When you feel alone, discouraged, or overwhelmed, remember that Jesus stands by you. He is present in your darkest moments, offering comfort and assurance. Take time to pray and seek His presence, knowing that He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Let His promises give you courage to keep moving forward, even when you can’t see the way.

Jesus’ presence with Paul in the night is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are never derailed by chaos or fear. But sometimes, the dangers we face aren’t just the ones we see coming—they’re the hidden threats, the things we never expected. Paul’s story takes another turn as a secret plot against his life unfolds. Yet even in the face of unseen danger, God’s sovereign hand is still at work, providing protection in ways Paul could never have orchestrated himself.

Let’s look at how God’s sovereignty extends even over the hidden dangers in our lives.

III. God’s Sovereignty Over Hidden Dangers (Acts 23:12-35)

A. The Plot to Kill Paul

A group of more than forty Jews plot to kill Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until he is dead (vv. 12–15). This is a real and immediate threat, unknown to Paul.

B. God’s Unexpected Provision

God’s providence is seen in the way Paul’s nephew learns of the plot and warns him (vv. 16–22). The Roman commander then arranges for Paul to be escorted safely to Caesarea by a large detachment of soldiers (vv. 23–35). God’s protection comes through unexpected means—Paul’s family member and Roman authorities.

Key Point: God’s protection often comes in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. Trust God’s providence, even when you can’t see the whole picture (Romans 8:28).

Quote: “God’s providence is not always obvious, but it is always active.” —Alistair Begg

Illustration

It’s like driving through thick fog. You can only see a few feet ahead, but you trust the road is there and that you’ll reach your destination. God sees the whole journey and provides what we need, even when we can’t see it coming.

Application:

You may not always see the dangers or challenges ahead, but God does. Trust Him to provide and protect, even in ways you don’t expect. Be attentive to the people and circumstances God brings into your life—they may be part of His provision. When you look back, you’ll often see how God was working behind the scenes for your good (Psalm 121:7–8; Proverbs 3:5–6).

As we’ve seen, God’s sovereignty isn’t limited to the big moments of history or the obvious challenges we face. He is present in our opposition, near in our discouragement, and working even in the hidden dangers we never see coming. Paul’s story in Acts 23 is a powerful reminder that God’s hand is always at work, weaving every circumstance—good or bad—into His greater plan.

But the greatest example of God’s sovereignty is found at the cross. When it seemed like evil had won and hope was lost, God was actually accomplishing the greatest good the world has ever known—our salvation through Jesus Christ. If God can bring victory out of the cross, He can be trusted with every part of our lives.

Conclusion

God’s sovereignty is not just a theological idea—it’s a living reality for every believer. He is always at work, even in the chaos, opposition, and hidden dangers of life. The greatest example is the cross: what looked like defeat and tragedy became the very means of our salvation. (Acts 2:23–24; Romans 5:8).

Quote: “The cross is the greatest proof that God can take the worst evil and turn it into the greatest good.” —Tim Keller

Call to Action:

If you are a follower of Jesus, rest in the assurance that God is in control. Surrender your fears, opposition, and uncertainties to Him.

If you have never trusted Christ, know that God’s sovereign plan includes an invitation for you. He calls you to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus, who died and rose again so you could be forgiven and have eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10).

Final Gospel Invitation:

No matter what you face, God’s love and power are greater. The cross is the greatest proof that God can take the worst evil and turn it into the greatest good. Will you trust Him with your life today?