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.
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The Resurrection Debate: When Paul was on trial, he cleverly used the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees to his advantage. He declared that he was being judged for his hope in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6). This statement created a significant uproar among the council members, as the Pharisees believed in the resurrection, while the Sadducees did not. This division led to a conflict that ultimately helped Paul escape a more severe judgment.
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Pharisees' Support: The Pharisees supported Paul because they shared his belief in the resurrection. They saw him as a fellow believer in this doctrine, which was a core part of their faith. This support was not because of his previous status as a pupil of Gamaliel (option A), nor because they were Christians (option C), as the Pharisees were still firmly rooted in Jewish law and tradition. Option D, which suggests that they supported him because "if the matter was not of God it would fail," is more of a philosophical stance and does not directly relate to the immediate context of Paul's trial.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
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A. He had been a pupil of Gamaliel: While being a pupil of Gamaliel gave Paul a certain level of respect and credibility among the Pharisees, it was not the primary reason for their support during his trial. The Pharisees were more concerned with the theological implications of Paul's claims about the resurrection than his educational background.
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C. They were Christians: This option is incorrect because the Pharisees were not Christians at this time. Christianity was still a new movement, and many Pharisees were opposed to it. The support Paul received was based on shared beliefs about the resurrection, not a shared Christian identity.
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D. If the matter was not of God it would fail: This statement reflects a general belief in divine providence but does not specifically address the reasons for the Pharisees' support of Paul. Their support was more directly tied to their theological beliefs rather than a broader philosophical view.
Revision Summary:
- Paul was supported by the Pharisees during his trial primarily because he believed in the resurrection, which aligned with their beliefs.
- The division between the Pharisees and Sadducees over the resurrection played a crucial role in Paul's defense.
- His background as a Pharisee and pupil of Gamaliel provided him with some credibility but was not the main reason for their support.
- The Pharisees were not Christians at this time, and their support was based on shared theological beliefs rather than a shared identity with Paul as a Christian.