One of my personal frustrations as a disciple of Jesus is being misunderstood by others. Sometimes it comes in the form of practicing a Sabbath, when neighbors find our faithful church attendance as a restrictive rule of faith rather than a rhythm of fruitful labor. Other times it looks like a judgment on our hope in Jesus. Instead of it being understood as unwavering faith, it is deemed as dopey positivity that is unrealistic and immature (Hebrews 10:23).
The life Jesus calls us to is often hard to understand because it is countercultural and uncomfortable for most, even believers! Paul was misunderstood numerous times in the story of Acts. In this chapter, Paul stands before the governor Felix to defend his faith. Instead of lashing out against the false charges, he says, “I always strive to have a clear conscience towards God and men” (Acts 24:16). He chooses the high road, staying above reproach when it comes to defending the gospel to those who may never fully understand it.
When it comes to defending our faith, there are many who take the wrong approach. They hold signs and yell; they cause unnecessary division. Some isolate themselves in ivory towers filled with theology books to prove they’re right and others are wrong. But Jesus shows us a different response.
When Jesus stood before Pilate, he also chose to not overreact or over explain. When questioned about his actions, Jesus responded, “I was born for this, and I have come into this world for this: to testify to the truth” (John 18:37). His entire life was living above reproach.
Whether our faith is ever fully understood, may our actions never be disputed. For we know our reward for living faithfully is not found in the acknowledgement and acceptance of people, but rather in God’s promises to restore us in the final days. “There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing” (2Timothy 4:8).
Just like the Israelites in Jeremiah 29, who had been rejected from their land, we may feel rejected by others for our faith. But we can have hope in this promise from God: “‘I will attend to you and will confirm my promise concerning you to restore you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you’—this is the LORD’s declaration—‘plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:10–11).
May we strive to “walk worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1) we have received and approach everyone with humility, gentleness and patience. Instead of taking a defensive stance, let’s bear with one another in love and walk with a clear conscience before God and one another.
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45 thoughts on "Paul’s Defense Before Felix"
Saying prayers for the requests mentioned.
Today’s theme goes well with today’s.
Be faithful in your daily work whatever it is.
AND
Live in a way to honor God regardless of whether people understand it or not.
Reading in the OT I kept re-learning the truth of God’s faithfulness. Reading the stories of Paul I feel this calling to “imitate him as he imitated Christ.” Faithful. Paul was faithful to the calling of God. May my life speak of God’s truth through my consistent actions.
I pray we are all striving to walk worthy of our calling!
Joining in prayer for Renee’s son and for Renee, and Tanner. Victoria E, praise God for the good appointment for Victoria E and continued prayers, Prayers for AG’s grandma and for her other family members to remain healthy and not get the virus, also praying individually for your dad, Amanda, praying for your niece and her friends and for the family and all those affected by this. Prayers for Rhonda’s niece and the baby. I’m asking for prayers for my coworker’s aunt. She is in the hospital with Covid pneumonia. I don’t know if she is saved. Her name is Linda. The family is asking for prayers for a miracle. The text said she is fighting for her life. Thanks so much. May God bless, help, lead, comfort, and guide you all today.
This is my prayer! “”May we walk worthy of the calling” we have received and approach everyone with humility, gentleness and patience.” Amen and amen!
Bailey wrote “Whether our faith is ever fully understood, may our actions never be disputed.”
Lord, may those I know and love who have rejected or turned away from You see by my actions the truth of who You are.
For over two years, Paul’s faith and actions were on display to Felix and Drusilla and all who guarded him. Paul rested in God’s promise that he would go to Rome.
Lord may I rest in Your promises when in unjust situations.
I pray that we can all cheerfully make our defence today. God bless you ladies. X
RENEE K – praying for your son! For Hope to flourish and drown out the anxiety and depression. Wonder if there is something negative specifically happening at school?
TRAIC GENDRON – praying for Tanner, for sleep, for swelling to go down and for an appointment to open up quickly. Is there an option to see a nurse practitioner or PA in his doctor’s office?
VICTORIA E – praise the Lord for your good appt
AG – praying for your grandma’s healing and for your mom’s & dad’s health
AMANDA – the saddest news, so sorry to hear that. Praying for your niece and this young girls’ other friends and especially her family
RHONDA J – thank you for the update on your niece. Please let her know we are praying for her and the little one that will be arriving soon. Is there anything she needs that we can help with? An Amazon or other registry?
“I will attend to you and will confirm My promise concerning you.” It looks like there isn’t much left of God’s plan for Paul here. The Jews might not have killed him, but he is safely put away in prison. No more missionary journeys, no more preaching. Paul is there for more than 2 years, even though he has done nothing wrong. And yet, God is using his time there. One of the ways is by preaching to Felix and Drusila. His work is at this time no longer to the multitudes. But Paul keeps on speaking faithfully about belief in Christ. Even our ordinary life, God is using for His good. Living faithfully also happens in the small things. “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” (Luke 10:16)