Acts 24 reminds me of the “bitter ex”. Some people talk about a former flame with disgust. The very mention of the name contorts the face, making it hard to imagine there was ever any love. Today’s lesson is about finding peace for today. We begin with Paul’s accusers presenting “their charges against Paul” to the Roman Governor. First the skilled lawyer butters up Governor Felix by praising, the “long period of peace” due to his “foresight” and “reforms”. Then he expresses “profound gratitude” toward his leadership, hoping he would rule in their favor. Finally he turns his attention to Paul, calling him a “troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world”. He labeled Paul a “ringleader of the Nazarene sect” who attempted to “desecrate the temple”; he claimed that Paul was arrested during the rebellious act. In closing, he asked the Governor to examine Paul closely, insinuating Paul is very deceptive. In an attempt to sway the Governor against Paul, “other Jews joined in the accusation”. We tend to feel great satisfaction when we warn others about a jerk. Sometimes our own bias can blind us to our part in the conflict. Reliving that old anger can keep us bitter and rob us from today’s joy. Friend, do you take joy in bashing someone?
Next the Governor gave Paul the floor. Knowing he was innocent, Paul began, “I gladly make my defense”. First he presented facts that “you can easily verify”, explaining “I went up to Jerusalem to worship”. As for the charge of stirring up the crowd, he testified “they cannot prove… the charges they are now making”. As always, Paul also took the opportunity to preach. First he pointed to what they all accept as truth, “As a follower of the Way… I believe everything that is… written in the Prophets”. He adds, “I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked”. Paul’s point is that God will judge each soul with perfect knowledge. He adds, “I strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man”. This is the key point. Paul broke no law, yet his accusers demanded his death. Some who clamor for justice really desire the destruction of their adversary. It’s hard to build while focused on tearing down.
Paul continued his testimony, “I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings”. Paul followed every requirement of Jewish law, “I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple”. He was alone, disturbing no one when he was attacked by “Jews from the province of Asia”. He says they are the ones who should be on trial! He concluded by demanding that his accusers “state what crime they found in me”. When Paul finished, “Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings”. His experience with Christians must have been positive. He ordered the centurion to “keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs”. A few days later Felix “came with his wife” and together they listened to Paul “as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus”. Paul discussed “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come”, and “Felix was afraid”. Anyone who contemplates standing before God while trusting in their own righteousness should be terrified. Paul would later write to the church in Rome, “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Paul put his trust in the righteousness of Christ. The chapter closes with a note that the Governor “was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him”. This went on for two long years until “Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus”. As a final “favor to the Jews”, Felix left Paul in prison. My friend, if you continue to spew malevolence, perhaps you are the “bitter ex”?