Witnessing

At the end of the first reading of the day, Paul is patted on his shoulder for his daring witness in Jerusalem.  But if we actually see the preceding lines, all that Paul said was merely one line!

My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead.

That's it!  Not a word more.  And the ensuing circumstances saw Paul being a prisoner, walk away a free man.

Perhaps only a smart and shrewd man like Paul could pull it off.  He knew well the composition of the Sanhedrin before whom he was called to testify.  All that he did was pitch one party against another (Pharisees vs the Sadducees).  The resulting confusion was too much for the presiding officer to handle and with no clarity of the charges against Paul, he was let off. 

It is not always best to speak the truth in the most blunt and honest manner.  Sometimes stating it in a smart way yields better results without being unfaithful.  However we need to bear in mind, what led him to being held a prisoner in the first place: His relentless proclamation of Jesus being risen from the dead and all the good that he did along with it. Moreover, once in Rome Paul tries a similar stunt, but does not succeed for long.