24:10 When the governor
had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:
“Knowing that for many
years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11
since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up
to Jerusalem to worship. 12 Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor
in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or
causing a riot. 13 Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now
accuse me. 14 But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they
call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in
accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in
God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a
resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In view of this, I also
do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before
men. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to
present offerings; 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having
been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia—
19 who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they
should have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves tell what
misdeed they found when I stood before the Council, 21 other than for this one
statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection
of the dead I am on trial before you today.’”
Paul's defense has four components. It is simple and logical.
First he expresses how glad he is to be in front in an experienced judge who
can easily verify the facts.
Fact #1 - Yes I came to Jerusalem 12 days ago but I did not
lead any kind of public meeting, much less incite a riot.
Fact #2 - Yes I belong to the Way in accordance with all the
teachings of the Law and the Prophets.
Fact #3 - I was in the temple quietly bringing alms and
presenting my offerings when men from Asia accused me, men who are conspicuous
by their absence here today. If they have something against they should be here
to present it.
Fact #4 - The only thing the council has against me is my
statement that I believe in the resurrection of the dead.
In the case of traffic violations we have the option to
contest the charges in court. If the officer who made the charges is not
present for the proceedings the case is dropped and you are free to go. Paul's
accusers who incited the riot in the temple are not present. Isn't that odd?
Tertullus and the Council had 5 days to gather witnesses and put together as
solid a case as possible. What happened?
We aren't told specifically but we can guess. The accusations
hurled at Paul in the temple that day were false. He never started a single
riot in Asia. There were public disturbances but they were never caused by him.
The most serious one was in Ephesus which was incited by the silversmiths
because they were losing business after the decline in idol worship.
To bring those liars to court would have been legal suicide
so Tertullus left them home. Paul pointed out their obvious absence.
Without their presence the only accusation left against him
was about the resurrection, and argument the Council wanted to avoid because
half believed and the other half did not.
There is a beauty in innocence. No strategy is needed. No
clever rearranging of the facts is necessary. No flattery is required. No lies
need inventing.
Don't get me wrong. Innocence does not guarantee vindication.
That's not the beauty I speak of. I am referring to the beauty of innocence
itself. Even when falsely accused and falsely found "guilty"
innocence is still innocence. No amount of false justice can make an innocent
person guilty. Jesus was killed by a mob and a mockery of justice but He was
still the spotless Lamb.
Seek to live a life of innocence so that when the spotlight
is turned on you and accusations fly your defense can be clear, simple, and
concise because there is nothing to hide.
"As much as it is possible with you, live at peace with
all men."
Tomorrow we'll find out what happened next...
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