In The Word
Read: Acts 24:1-21
Paul before Felix
24 Now after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges against Paul to the governor. 2 After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began accusing him, saying to the governor,
“Since we have attained great peace through you, and since reforms are being carried out for this nation by your foresight, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.4 But, that I may not weary you further, I beg you to grant us a brief hearing, by your kindness. 5 For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions 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, so indeed we arrested him. 8 By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we are accusing him.” 9 The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.
10 And 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 And neither in the temple did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself.13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.14 But I confess this to you, that in accordance with 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 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 a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always. 17 Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts 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 have been bringing charges, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before the Council, 21 other than in regard to this one declaration which I shouted 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.