But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God." Acts 23:6-9

Paul was on trial before the Jewish religious authorities. Things were not going especially well. Paul noticed that those sitting in judgment over him were from two rival religious parties. Some were Pharisees and some were Sadducees. Though these two parties were united in their hatred of Christianity, they were divided among themselves.

The Pharisees were the very strict religious legalists. The Sadducees were the “liberals” who did not believe in any kind of resurrection—in other words: this life is “it.” The two groups didn’t like each other—except regarding any common enemies they may have had—like Jesus, Christians, and now Paul!

Paul seized the opportunity to get them to turn on each other, in hopes of diverting their attention away from him. So, he announced that he was a Pharisee. The Pharisees, fiercely loyal to their party, defended Paul, which emphasized the partisan divide between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Paul’s plan worked!

Lessons?

While we have differences among various branches of true and biblical Christianity, we must not turn against each other—especially over secondary matters. Instead, let us defend one another as much as we are able.
As we remain united with each other in Christ, it is only a matter of time before the warring factions among non-believers will turn on and devour one another.