Wednesday, May 26, 2010
By Dave Sonnenberg
What is our natural inclination when a person attacks us (verbally)? I would venture to say that most of us want to either shout back, defend ourselves, or point out the flaws in another. That natural reaction is one that is like kindling on a fire. It contributes to growth in animosity and more furious divisions.
Learning how to handle opposition is one of life’s greatest challenges. If one learns to do it well, one can even turn an ugly moment into a time to be true to oneself and also not “tear down the other”.
Paul today is being held against his will. Many false accusations are made against him. He could have burned with anger yet he “offers his defense cheerfully”. He does not tear down his accusers. He points out the many things he has in common with them in the midst of his defense- either a clever tactic or simply one who is confident that he need not “tear them apart”.
Although Paul is not freed, his style and the way he handles these bitter accusers earns him a bit of freedom and respect.
We live in a world where people tear into each other in a variety of ways. Sometimes people are blatantly picking on others, other times it is gossiping, and sometimes it’s what I call- “less than stellar talk about others”. We see that in play in venue after venue. Can you and I be people who summon the strength of Paul- and offer a cheerful witness?”
A cheerful witness will always win the day!
ACTS 24
24Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor. 2When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:
‘Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. 3We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude. 4But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. 5We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6He even tried to profane the temple, and so we seized him. 8By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him concerning everything of which we accuse him.’
9 The Jews also joined in the charge by asserting that all this was true.
Paul’s Defence before Felix
10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied:
‘I cheerfully make my defence, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation. 11As you can find out, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12They did not find me disputing with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd either in the synagogues or throughout the city. 13Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me. 14But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets. 15I have a hope in God—a hope that they themselves also accept—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience towards God and all people. 17Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation and to offer sacrifices. 18While I was doing this, they found me in the temple, completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or disturbance. 19But there were some Jews from Asia—they ought to be here before you to make an accusation, if they have anything against me. 20Or let these men here tell what crime they had found when I stood before the council, 21unless it was this one sentence that I called out while standing before them, “It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.” ’
22 But Felix, who was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing with the comment, ‘When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.’ 23Then he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody, but to let him have some liberty and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.
Paul Held in Custody
24 Some days later when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning faith in Christ Jesus. 25And as he discussed justice, self-control, and the coming judgement, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present; when I have an opportunity, I will send for you.’ 26At the same time he hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, and for that reason he used to send for him very often and converse with him.
27 After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and since he wanted to grant the Jews a favour, Felix left Paul in prison.
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