Acts 24:10–21 (ESV)
Paul Before Felix in Caesarea (Part 2)
10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it
is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up
against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept,
that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this,
they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they
found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’ ”
In yesterday’s reading, the Jews were speaking against Paul. Today’s reading (Round 2), Paul takes the stand and speaks. Paul points out that he was in Jerusalem 12 days ago and he did not stir up trouble. They accuse him
of being a ringleader of a “sect”, but he states that he worships the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. Paul could have gone on the offensive and pointed out that they are the ones
who have killed the Prophets and now they want to break the commandment “Thou shall not murder” and kill me (Paul). But he doesn’t... instead he says that those who accuse him are not here and they should be brought forward. As
for the fighting, Paul points out that he spoke of the resurrection and they began fighting themselves. What will Round 3 be like tomorrow? I recently watched the movie Rocky, and the underdog won the respect of the people and Apollo Creed... but
lost the fight. Paul seems to be the underdog... but God is on his side. Rocky is a very inspiring movie, and so is the life of Paul.
I pray: O heavenly Father, so often I get beat down by
negativity and the world turning against Christ. I see that the world has been rejecting you ever since the fall in the garden. I realize that I am no better. Paul’s life lifts me up and I am inspired by his boldness and your guiding
hand. Help me to focus not on myself, but on you. Help me to sing praises and share the Gospel, even when being persecuted. Help me to love my enemies. Amen.