Monday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 24
10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
Commentary:
24:10 Paul’s opening words are brief and honest when compared to the flattery of Tertullus (see note on v. 2). Felix’s term had begun in a.d. 52, making the many years five or six (52–57/58).
24:11–12 Paul denied inciting any riots. Twelve days was hardly sufficient time to muster a following.
24:14 Paul proceeded to show how as a Christian he was a faithful Jew, accepting the Law and the Prophets and sharing the resurrection hope. That the resurrection will include both “the just and the unjust” (v. 15) implies a final judgment (see v. 25).
24:11–12 Paul denied inciting any riots. Twelve days was hardly sufficient time to muster a following.
24:14 Paul proceeded to show how as a Christian he was a faithful Jew, accepting the Law and the Prophets and sharing the resurrection hope. That the resurrection will include both “the just and the unjust” (v. 15) implies a final judgment (see v. 25).
Questions:
- In Chapter 24, the Jewish leaders are presenting their case against Paul to the governor. Paul's only defense is to mention that his accusers couldn't prove any of their accusations. He never argued with anyone at the temple or stirred up any riots. In other words, Paul was not violent. This was also what Jesus modeled. We don't change culture or politics through violence or power. We change our culture and society the way Paul did... to simply preach and pray. Christianity subversively changed one the most brutal, corrupt, slaveholding, misogynistic cultures ever, not through riots or social justice initiatives, but through preaching the gospel, making disciples and planting churches. Many Christians get this backwards, thinking government is the way to turn our culture towards Jesus. Why do you think this approach tends to go so wrong?
- Once again, even though doing so could cost Paul his life, he doesn't shy away from his belief in Jesus. In fact, he leans into it. He doesn't mince words. He doesn't downplay. He boldly proclaims where he stands in his belief that Jesus is Lord. What about you? Is your tendency to shy away or to boldly stand your ground when it comes to your faith?
Pray:
- That God would help you keep your priorities on prayer and the gospel.
- That your faith would be bold and unapologetic, like Paul's.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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