Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 24-26.
When Paul stood before Felix, a lawyer named Tertullus brought accusations against him on behalf of the Jews. Notice the charges that were made:
“For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him” (Acts 24:5-6).
Tertullus made four accusations against Paul. Similar ones may be made against those who teach the truth today. Notice what these accusations were:
- He was “a real pest” – Though Paul was simply trying to persuade people of the truth, this was offensive to his opponents. Even though we are fortunate to have the God-given right of free speech generally recognized in this country, many want to make an exception when it comes to those who teach the truth from God’s word because it bothers them so much.
- He stirred up “dissension” – He was accused of causing division, just as we are often accused of such today. Yet the one guilty of division is not the one standing for the truth, but the one who refuses to accept the truth (Jude 18-19).
- He was a leader of “the sect of the Nazarenes” – In their minds, Paul was not a member of the one, true church of Christ. Instead, he was simply a member of a sect (denomination). Those who are faithfully serving the Lord according to the pattern found in the word of God are not part of a denomination (sect); they are part of the one church which the Lord built (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).
- He “tried to desecrate the temple” – This was nothing more than a rumor and a false accusation. We may also be falsely accused by those who oppose the truth. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matthew 5:11).
Though they had all of these accusations against Paul, there was one thing they did not have – a Scriptural argument refuting his teaching. When it is clear that people do not have the truth on their side, they will resort to these types of accusations. We should not be surprised, nor should be stoop to their level and respond in kind. False accusations are unnecessary when we can, by appealing to Scripture, destroy “speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Tomorrow’s reading: Acts 27-28
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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