“When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: ‘I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; 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, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. 

 ‘After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ “

Acts 24:9-21 

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JUNE 12, 2025

Have you been on social media lately? If ever the weakness of the human ego was put on display, it’s here. You can make the mildest comment—say, about your favorite sandwich—and someone will show up in the comments not to weigh in or even disagree but to attack with a compelling “You’re an idiot” (or often much worse).  

More often than the not, the original poster does not reply with a “Brother, why choose such an insulting response? Are you having a difficult day?” but with something equally caustic and unhelpful.  

If we cannot stand up to our calling to speak with wisdom, peace, and harmony under those circumstances, how would we fair in Paul’s shoes? Remember, 40 men swore to kill him before their next meal. He’s been falsely accused, put to trial, and one way or another it’s unlikely this scenario ends with him alive. 

Yet hear his words. He acknowledges that some of what he has done may be confusing or concerning yet stands his ground regarding his innocence. He challenges his accusers with the truth but doesn’t attack them in response. As my kids would say, he doesn’t “crash out.”  

As we have seen, and will see again, Paul’s ultimate defense is Jesus. If this results in regaining life and freedom, so be it. If this results in his imprisonment and death, so be it. He will not sacrifice his testimony or the beauty of Christ to save his ego or even his life.  

Do we have that kind of Spirit-flooded strength?  

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…  

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel…. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.  

Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.  

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:9, 12, 20-27) 

 Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • How do you respond when accused (either truly or falsely)?  
  • Does your response further your own ego and “kingdom” or Christ’s?  
  • How do we, like Paul, grow in Christ and in the Spirit until we no longer hold even our own lives more closely than serving Jesus?  

 Church Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 17; Psalm 104