READING: Job 32-34, Acts 25
It doesn’t always free us from the criticisms of those opposed to us, but it’s nice to be able to say with integrity, “Your accusation just isn’t accurate.” We’re all guilty sinners—and it’s so often the case that all we can do is confess our wrong—that our hearts rejoice and rest at peace when we leave no grounds for accusation.
The apostle Paul knew he was the chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15), but he could at other times legitimately reject the accusations of his opponents:
- “They didn’t find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me.” (Acts 24:12-13)
- “Then Paul made his defense: ‘Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned in any way.’”(Acts 25:8)
Indeed, the phrase “made his defense” in 25:8 suggests that Paul stood his ground, knowing he had done nothing of which he was accused. As one commentator put it, “he stoutly continued to insist on his innocence.”* His enemies sought to condemn him for his wrong, but Paul’s conscience remained clear.
That, it seems to me, is the way to make a defense for oneself: simply walk with God so accusers have no leverage or legitimacy.
PRAYER: “Father, grant me grace to live in such a way that my lifestyle is a defense of the gospel.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 35-37, Acts 26
*Longenecker, R. N. (1981). The Acts of the Apostles. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts(Vol. 9, p. 545). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
