Acts 24:4-16
4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.
5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. [7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.
10 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. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 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. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 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, 15 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. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Kurt Holm
The Creek Covenant Church – Pleasant Hill
Observation: Lord, I hear You saying that persecution will be the norm for Christ followers. When believers live out biblical convictions, there will be disapproval, opposition, and persecution from the world.
Action: Lord, I want to live out my convictions and be ready to describe my beliefs, regardless of the disapproval I may face from others. I will ask myself each evening this week if my convictions have stirred any opposition, and if not, why not? I want to keep my conscience clear before God.
Observation: Because of Paul’s faithfulness and obedience to Jesus’ calling on his life he was known as a follower of the Way. He didn’t just think about the Way. He didn’t just give verbal assent to the Way. He lived the Way and because of that he was known as the real deal. He was a threat to what was the norm and because of that many false things were spread about him. I wonder if people know me as the real deal, a follower of the Way because of what I do, say and think? I wonder if I am a threat to what the world says is the “norm”?
Action: Today, when given the chance I will boldly proclaim and admit that I worship the God of all creation as a follower of the Way. I will also with my Father’s help strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Observation: Paul does a bit of “this is that,” as he communicates with the Governor. He is quick to connect what the Governor knows and believes with what Paul sees God doing in the present in “the Way.” Often when followers of the Way today share their message the tendency can be to point out the differences rather than beginning with the connectedness.
Action: Today I will be alert to conversations about faith and look for connections to communicate the meaning of the Way!
Observation: Often when people are threatened by a message they take it out on the messenger.
Application: Don’t take it personally when someone takes out their anger or other issues on me. I am not their problem. They don’t like the message. I’ll try to be gentle not judgmental, pray not condemn.
Observation: I too was struck once again by Paul’s ability to “become all things to all people” as he finds common ground with both the governor and his accusers. And he does this without compromising or denying his faith in God.
Action: Today Lord, I will look for common ground with people I meet so I can share my faith and invite them into Your family.
Observation: Father, your Word (everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets) is the source of true hope. Your promise of resurrection is my greatest hope.
Action: Spend time throughout the day meditating on God’s Word today, placing my hope firmly in His promises…only.