Clear

Yesterday, we listened in as Paul was accused by Tertullus (the High Council’s spokesman) in his trial before Governor Felix. Today, we will listen to Paul's defense.


Acts 24
10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing. 14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people. 17 “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. 18 My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ceremony. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. 19 But some Jews from the province of Asia were there - and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! 20 Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council found me guilty of, 21 except for the one time I shouted out, ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’”


Clear. Authors usually have a distinct writing style ... a specific way of developing characters and unveiling the story. You are an author. You may not write novels; but every day, through what you say and do, you are writing the story of your life. Think of every day as a new page ... and every season of life as a new chapter. No one will ever “buy” your story; but they will certainly read it. The people in your “circle of influence” ... your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors ... are already reading it. Paul, in this part of his story, is reminding us why it is important for our story to be clear. I love that word ... clear. This idea of living a life that is so clear that we become transparent ... ultimately, allowing the light of Jesus to shine through us (check out Ephesians 4:20-5:14). Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid accusations; but there is a way to prepare for them.