Acts 24: 10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
This serves as an encouragement to us. As believers in the gospel, the Bible, and in Jesus, we find ourselves in the same predicament as Paul. Felix heard what the Sanhedrin had to say through Tertullus. He painted a picture of Paul that was far from the truth. The world will do that to us. Felix was just in the matter and allowed Paul to speak for himself. You and I have the opportunity to answer for ourselves. When it comes to answering the Lord I can’t speak for you and you can’t speak for me. I can commend you, but what matters is how each of us answers for ourselves. We must do that.
Paul had no one to hide behind in the seat of judgment. When brought before the Jewish court, he reminded them he was a Roman citizen as well as a Jew. He was a step ahead of them. He always had a rabbit to pull out of the hat. When called upon, there may not be anyone else around. We will need to answer. Paul did it cheerfully.
Note the tone as the chapter begins. Felix greeted the Sanhedrin. Tertullus sweet-talked Felix in verses 2 and 3 and then set in on Paul. His accusations included being a pestilent fellow. To him Paul was like a tick that gets on you. He called him a seditionist–a rebel of the Jews–and then called him a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. In those days Christians were called “those old Nazarenes.” Can anything good come out of Nazareth? It was a bad place to live, but in the middle of it a young virgin named Mary lived. She was chosen to be the mother of the Savior of the world. A real man of God named Joseph lived there and they raised Jesus in Nazareth. They stayed true to God in the midst of the wickedness of the town. No matter how wicked our towns and communities become we don’t have to turn out that way ourselves. Mary and Joseph serve as a pattern for us. In verse 6 Tertullus said Paul profaned the temple. He didn’t speak in contradiction to the Old Testament. He spoke with the power that the Sanhedrin didn’t possess proclaiming Jesus to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The accusers came.
How would you like to be hauled into court for being a Christian? If your trust in the Lord and your Biblical standards put you in court, could you answer for yourself as Paul did? He was not defeated. They wanted Paul to lose it so they could say “see there; we told you.” Paul took what they threw at him. Jesus took what they threw at him. The Bible tells us to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We cannot turn around and let our carnal nature take over and answer in a sinful way. Paul was glad for the opportunity and cheerfully answered for himself. There is a new accusation against Christians every day. So what! Remain focused on what Jesus made us.
In verses 11-13 Paul clarified the truth. Jesus didn’t need defending. We don’t have to defend our Christian beliefs. We know what Jesus did for us. Believe in him regardless of what others think. Jesus remains King of Kings and Lord of Lords and will be with or without you and me. I don’t need to defend Jesus, but I do need him to defend me. He took care of Paul; he’ll take care of us.
Paul told Felix his accusers claim to believe God. Of himself he said, but this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. Many people referred to Christians as those in “the way.” Jesus said it himself in John 14:6. I am the way, the truth, and the life. They may call us all sorts of names. Let them. I’d rather be with Jesus than the devil any day.
Our answer must show real faith in God. Don’t be ashamed to admit you believe the Word of God. Paul had a future because he believed Jesus. He had hope in Christ. We don’t know what 2013 will bring, but we can face uncertain tomorrows with God. That’s answering. Our answers will make or break us. Paul knew that regardless of what happened to his body, there would be a resurrection.
Paul was not a trouble maker. He was not a seditionist. God’s will for Paul’s life was to exercise his life—conduct himself—as to have a clear conscience toward God and others. It’s the same for us. I have “Saul” days in my past. God made a “Paul” of me. The same Jesus will help us just like he did Paul. Answering for ourselves is something that needs to be done right now. Paul’s answer troubled Felix to the point of trembling.
Can you answer for yourself like Paul did? Can you answer for yourself by yourself? Your help will come from God? What kind of answer can you make right now? The only type of answer that will please the Lord is the one like Paul’s. Be careful to please the Lord and not man. Give the right answer in the Lord’s eyes.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 