The correct option is
B. He believed in the resurrection.
Detailed Explanation:
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Context of Paul's Arrest: After his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin, which was the Jewish ruling council. This council was made up of different groups, including the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees were known for their belief in the resurrection of the dead, while the Sadducees did not share this belief.
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Paul's Background: Paul, originally known as Saul, was a Pharisee himself before his conversion to Christianity. He was well-educated and had studied under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher. However, his support from the Pharisees during his trial was primarily due to his proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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The Importance of the Resurrection: When Paul stood before the Sanhedrin, he declared that he was on trial because of his hope in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6). This statement created a division between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, were more sympathetic to Paul’s position because they shared a common belief in the resurrection, which was a central tenet of their faith.
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Pharisees' Support: The Pharisees' support for Paul can be attributed to their theological alignment with his beliefs about the resurrection. They recognized that Paul was not preaching against the Law or the Prophets but was affirming a belief that they held dear. This led to a situation where some Pharisees argued in his favor, stating that if Paul was speaking about a resurrection, he should not be condemned without proper examination.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
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A. He had been a pupil of Gamaliel: While it is true that Paul studied under Gamaliel, this fact alone did not guarantee support from the Pharisees. Gamaliel was respected, but the Pharisees' support for Paul was more directly related to their shared belief in the resurrection rather than his educational background.
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C. They were Christians: This option is incorrect because the Pharisees were not Christians at the time of Paul's arrest. They were a Jewish sect that adhered to the Law and traditions of Judaism. While some Pharisees later became Christians, at the time of Paul's trial, they were still primarily focused on Jewish law and customs.
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D. If the matter was not of God it would fail: This statement reflects a belief that was expressed by Gamaliel in Acts 5:38-39, where he advised caution in dealing with the apostles. However, this reasoning does not directly explain why the Pharisees supported Paul during his trial. Their support was more about the theological implications of the resurrection than a general belief in divine intervention.
Revision Summary:
- Paul was supported by the Pharisees because he believed in the resurrection, which aligned with their beliefs.
- His declaration about the resurrection created a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees during his trial.
- The Pharisees' support was not based on his education or their status as Christians, but rather on shared theological beliefs.
- Understanding the context of the Sanhedrin and the differing beliefs of the Pharisees and Sadducees is crucial for grasping the dynamics of Paul's trial.