What do you feel like doing, when you are unfairly treated? Some might respond with a protest march, or a hunger strike, or a work stoppage, or give verbal abuse, or even physical abuse! But could you have responded Paul did?
Paul was being held prisoner. The Roman Commander, Claudius Lysias, had sent him under guard to Governor Felix. A letter had been sent along with him which said, "This man was seized by the Jew and they were about to kill him but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen … I found that … there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.” (verses 26-30.) So, Felix kept Paul under guard in the governor’s headquarters. (verse 35.)
What would you have said or done about such undeserved imprisonment, and unfair treatment? True Christians have as their example their Lord Jesus Christ. “When (evil men) hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.” (1stPeter 2:21-23.) But is it possible for Christians today to be able to show such self-control? YES! You see, Jesus has not left His followers without the power and help they need to live as children of God. (John 14:15-18. 2ndPeter 1:3-4.)
God the Holy Spirit dwells within all those who truly belong to God, through their faith in Jesus (Romans 8:1-11.) And God’s Holy Spirit produces Christ-like qualities in the believer’s life, such as self-control. (Galatians 5:22-25. Philippians 4:13.)
Let us see if Paul was willing to let the Holy Spirit make him the kind of person God wanted him to be. (1stThessalonians 5:16-19.)
Five days later false charges were brought against Paul. The Jews joined in the accusation and said that all this was true. (verses 1-9.)
The Governor motioned for Paul to speak. (verse 10.)
Paul said, “… I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect.” (verses 10-14. John 14:6.) He told them that he believed their Scriptures, and shared the same hope of the resurrection. (verse 15. Romans 14:10-12. 2ndCorinthians 5:10. & Revelation 20:11-15.) Having Jesus as his Saviour, and the Scriptures to guide him, Paul could honestly say, “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God, and man.” (verse 16. 1stPeter 2:19-23.) This shows us the secret of the good life Paul lived.
Can YOU honestly say that you really want to live the good life?
(Mark 12:28-33.) You should, if you are a true Christian who has trusted Jesus to forgive you, because you have the Holy Spirit living in you wanting to make you more and more Christ-like. (2ndCorinthians 3:16-18.)
Read Acts 23, verse 25 to chapter 24, verse 16.
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