Slices
Prepare
Today we think about courage and encouragement, which have the same Latin/French root as cor/cœur (heart). Meditate on Jeremiah 29:13: ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’
Bible passage
Paul before the Sanhedrin
30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and set him before them.
23 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, ‘My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.’ 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, ‘God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!’
4 Those who were standing near Paul said, ‘How dare you insult God’s high priest!’
5 Paul replied, ‘Brothers, I did not realise that he was the high priest; for it is written: “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.”’
6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, ‘My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’ 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)
9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. ‘We find nothing wrong with this man,’ they said. ‘What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’
Explore
Turned over by the civil authorities to Jerusalem’s religious leaders, Paul again mounts an eloquent defence rooted in deep knowledge of the Scriptures. His foil: Ananias, a high priest notorious for his cruelty. (No relation to the Ananias encountered on the Damascus road.)
Paul confronts the accusations levelled against him, forensically laying bare the hypocrisy in the room (23:3). Mindful that the assembly is a mixed bag of Sadducees (who believe in neither a resurrection nor a spiritual realm) and Pharisees (who very much do), Paul identifies a way of splitting the Sanhedrin, thereby hinging his defence on his ‘hope of the resurrection’ (v 6). He also presents himself as a Pharisee from a family of Pharisees, to garner further affinity. It’s a brave strategy, but it works: the Sanhedrin descends into infighting so ferocious that the embattled army commander fears for Paul’s life and demands Paul is retrieved from the melee.
The denouement – God speaks directly to Paul: ‘Take courage!’ (v 11). What balm! Are there circumstances where we are battling through entrenched obstinacy? We, too, need to be encouraged by God, to be reassured that we are on track, aligned with his desire for us.
Respond
What are we fearful of that God can help us overcome in his strength? Hear God’s words: ‘Don’t be afraid.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 6,7; Galatians 6
Pray for Scripture Union
Mission Partner Doncaster Schools Worker Trust gives thanks for expansion of the primary schools work involving Linda Gardner, Helen Acton and Ellie O’Leary. Pray for It’s Your Move sessions with Year 6 children, and for secondary schools worker Dan Budhi as he hosts a team of interns for two months.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
That’s why It’s Your Move exists – to help children step into this new chapter with faith, courage and confidence.
For over 25 years, this trusted guide has supported more than 2.5 million children, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian values.
Practical guidance you can trust.
Inside this 80-page guide, children will find:
✅ Real stories from pupils who’ve trusted God and themselves during the transition
✅ Guidance on friendships, confidence, homework and facing fears like bullying
✅ Space to reflect, pray and process emotions
✅ Encouragement and hope rooted in scripture
This isn’t just a book – it’s reassurance in their backpack.
Plus, every purchase includes instant access to:
✅ Student experience videos
✅ Assembly & lesson plans
✅ Creative tools to help children process the move
Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
Get your copy here.
