“Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish elders and the lawyer Tertullus, to present their case against Paul to the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor: “You have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us. For all of this, Your Excellency, we are very grateful to you. But I don’t want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment. We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes. Furthermore, he was trying to desecrate the Temple when we arrested him.”
Acts 24:1-6 NLT
Two Truths To Following Jesus Faithfully in Troubling Times
I must understand that if I stand for truth troubles will come
“The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Acts 9:15-16 CEB
“If the world hates you, know that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you, ‘Servants aren’t greater than their master.’ If the world harassed me, it will harass you too. If it kept my word, it will also keep yours. The world will do all these things to you on account of my name, because it doesn’t know the one who sent me.”
John 15:18-21 CEB
I understand trouble doesn’t always work out how I hope.
When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Festus. Since Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Acts 24:27 CEB
How To Face Accusations And Maintain My Example
I Should Begin with wisdom and respect.
“The governor motioned for Paul to speak. Paul responded, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years. So I’m pleased to present my case to you.”
Acts 24:10 GW
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 NASB
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16 MEV
I defend myself and the Way of Jesus without attacking others.
“So I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. “However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,”
Acts 24:10c-14 NIV
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
I know that my defense is not the end game, the Gospel is.
“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.”
Acts 24:24 NIV
“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. As a result, it has become clear to all the soldiers who guard the emperor and to everyone else that I am in prison because of Christ. So through my being in prison, the Lord has given most of our brothers and sisters confidence to speak God’s word more boldly and fearlessly than ever.”
Philippians 1:12-14 GW
I utilize all freedoms granted to me in order to further the gospel.
Paul defended himself, saying, “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law, against the Temple, or against Caesar.” But Festus wanted to please the Jews. So he asked Paul, “Do you want to go to Jerusalem for me to judge you there on these charges?”… No, I want Caesar to hear my case!” Festus talked about this with his advisors. Then he said, “You have asked to see Caesar, so you will go to Caesar!”
Acts 25:8-9,11c-12 ERV
Throwback to another time Paul utilized his freedom for the gospel…
“The jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul shouted as loudly as he could, “Don’t hurt yourself! We’re all here!”
Acts 16:27-28 GW