Make a Defense
1 Peter 3:14-15 tells us that when someone attacks you for your righteousness (in being with the Lord's will) then be ready to have a defense for your faith when asked why you have hope. This does not say "make sure to argue with people" when they disagree with you. This is defend your faith with your story. Understand who Jesus is to you and who he was historically. Tell people about the work God has done in your life and tell your story. Be a witness. Show and tell them why you have hope in God and in Jesus. Share when asked.
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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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Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
We read in Acts 1 that about 120 people were gathered, praying together to find a replacement for Judas. They were led by God to select Matthias. On the day of Pentecost (a feast celebrating Moses being given the Law) they were gathered (same theme as Acts 1) and were able to speak in tongues and interpret (tongues is the ability to speak in another language given via the holy spirit for the purpose of spreading the gospel to other's who do not speak your language).
In verses 12-13, people were amazed and others who saw this were thinking that those speaking in tongues were drunk. The disciple Peter gave a sermon as as response to the naysayers. He addressed their gossip and gave them truth and perspective saying that it was only the 3rd hour of the day (too early to be drunk and approx 9am). And then Peter gave them scripture. He gave them truth in Acts 2:17-21 from Joel 2:28-32 quoting why people should not be naysayers and gossipers when it was the Lord at work.
Once again we see that when people will gossip and cut you down and denigrate you when they do not understand the Lord's work in your life. They will chalk up your being infused with the Holy Spirit to you just being naturally outgoing or to you trying to gain something from others. We must be prepared for that when we are doing God's work and people tell us that we are not and try to cut us down. Be ready with a defense of truth and not defensiveness and emotion.
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