The Apostle Paul stands before the Jewish council and declares that he has lived with a clear conscience before God. The high priest Ananias orders Paul to be struck on the mouth, to which Paul responds by calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall" and accusing him of violating the law. When Paul realizes that Ananias is the high priest, he apologizes, citing the scripture that one should not speak evil of a ruler.
Paul then notices that the council is divided between Sadducees and Pharisees. He declares himself a Pharisee and states that he is on trial because of his belief in the resurrection of the dead. This statement causes a heated dispute between the two groups, as the Sadducees deny the resurrection, angels, and spirits, while the Pharisees believe in them.
The disagreement becomes so intense that the Roman commander fears for Paul's safety and orders his soldiers to take Paul back to the barracks. That night, the Lord appears to Paul and encourages him, saying that just as he has testified about Him in Jerusalem, he must also testify in Rome.