Acts 24: Paul's Defense

Paul's Defense

Have you ever been accused or even falsely accused of something? It is not fun to have than done. I have had it from loved ones and even strangers. There is a way to handle these types of situations and the way Paul is very similar to that of Jesus. Jesus faced temptation in the desert and faced accusations from the Pharisees many times. He never got defensive, but he did defend himself with truth from scripture. Paul's defense here is not one of yelling and screaming and pointing fingers, but one of truth.

In verse 10 Paul "cheerfully" makes his defense while acknowledging the length of time Felix has been in power. To me it shows an initial sign or respect which sets the tone for how his defense will continue and end. In verses 11-13 Paul tells Felix that he can check any of the accusations that have been brought against him. In verses 14-19 Paul says what he is "guilty" of and still challenges the accusers to find him guilty of what they accuse him of. In the last sentence I wrote "guilty" because he had not done something wrong in the eyes of God but only in the eyes of the accuser. Paul verifies that he is guilty of worshiping the same God that the accusers worshiped. He says he is guilty of having hope in God, wanting to give alms to his nation and present offerings. He admits to being in the temple but being purified while there and then says challenges his accusers again. Paul was not afraid.
 

Paul was kept in custody and told by Felix that when Lysias the tribune comes then the case will be decided. Felix showed his greed by making Paul sit in custody for 2 years as that was Roman law and Felix had hoped for a bribe. For if Paul had offered Felix a bribe, Felix would have let him out.

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Acts 22: Paul Speaks and Meets with the Roman Council

Paul Speaks and Meets with the Roman Council

Paul retells his story of how he came to Christ and how he had been the one responsible for the death of Stephen. He retells how he was blinded and his sight was returned to him. Paul's baptism is believed to have happened shortly there after due to verse 16 and from there he would spread the word to the Gentiles. That further upset the Jews who did not think Gentiles were worthy of having Salvation.

When he was done speaking they still wanted to have Paul killed. And when they took Paul away to be scourged (whipped to death or even being crippled- just like Jesus was before his crucifixion). Paul then asks them if it is proper to scourge a Roman citizen without due process. The custom was not to even bind a Roman citizen without due process but they had done just that. After Paul tells them that he was born in Rome which makes him a citizen by birth and not by purchase (verses 27-28) they cannot scourge him. The next day he was unbound and brought before the council. Chapter 23 tells us more. We will be back tomorrow for that.

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Matthew 8:13

Matthew 8:13 "Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.'" commentary-  A centurion soldier came to ask Jesus to heal a servant. This soldier was an officer in the Roman army oppressing Jewish people. While all other  Jewish people would hate him he still felt humble enough to ask for help from Jesus (a Jew) for help in healing a servant. He cam humbly & not with selfish intent. Jesus healed the  servant from afar & marveled at the man's faith & understanding of who Jesus was. Selfless & humble & God will hear you.