In The Word
Read: Acts 24:1-21
Paul before Felix
24 After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul.2 After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor,
“Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing.5 For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.
10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. 13 Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings; 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, 21 other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
There was no love lost toward Paul by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. In fact, Ananias was working to kill him, but they had a huge problem. Paul was a Roman citizen. This meant that the Roman law proceeded their religious law. Paul had to go through the Roman justice process. The opportunity was given for Paul to appeal his accusation to Felix. Paul did not shrink down from his accusers. What we should notice is how he defended himself. He showed great respect toward his accusers and judge. He did not tear down or shame them. Paul used the truth; he simply stated the facts. Paul also stood firm; he did not deny his faith to make his life easier.
Paul responded in the Spirit and not the flesh. Our flesh will seek to hurt those who threaten us. It will seek to return insult and accusations. The Spirit will seek to bring peace and light instead of darkness, love instead of hate.
As believers we are called to represent Jesus Christ, even when falsely accused. It is when we respond through the Holy Spirit that we begin to show Christ. Matthew 12:20 says, “A bruised reed He did not break,” and I Peter 2:23 says, “He was reviled against and reviled not.” Can we address our accusers? Yes, but only by the Holy Spirit and not by the flesh. It may be the very one accusing you that is won to Christ by your response.