Day 344, December 10 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Acts 23:12–26:32
How To Respond To Unfair Treatment; Presenting a Defense
What actions make us feel like we are being unfairly treated?
- Being accused of something we did not do?
- Innocent but being hurt by gossip or slander?
- Being Cheated?
- Meanness or bullying?
Typical responses or attitudes from unfair treatment are anger, bitterness, revenge, and self-pity. Today, we will look at what the Apostle Paul did when he was unfairly treated. His defense provides an example for us to follow.
At this time in church history, Paul was in Jerusalem. He came to bring a contribution for the poor, which he collected from the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul just completed his third missionary journey.
Trouble
While he was in Jerusalem, some Jews from Asia Minor came up for the Feast of Pentecost to worship. When they recognized Paul and his companions, they stirred up the Jews against them. Paul was accused of bringing a Gentile (a non-Jewish person) into the temple, so he was dragged out of it, and they tried to kill him. After a couple of failed attempts on Paul’s life, the Roman commander in Jerusalem orders 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to safely escort him to Caesarea. There he might get a fair trial. That is a lot of protection! God foiled the plot of the Jews and protected his servant.
False Accusations
After five days, Jewish leaders and a well-spoken lawyer, Tertullus, came to Caesarea to convince Governor Felix of Paul’s guilt and have him condemned. Tertullus accused Paul of being a troublemaker and stirring up the Jewish people around the world. The Romans like order; they would not like to hear this. Tertullus also accuses Paul of being a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Rome does not like new religions, and the Nazarenes have a terrible reputation. Last, he accuses Paul of trying to desecrate the temple. This is a religious offense, punishable by death.
Paul's Attitude
How does Paul answer these charges? Does he express outrage, bitterness, revenge, or self-pity? No, Paul responds with respect. He maintains his integrity and calmly gives a defense. Then, he welcomes Governor Felix to check out the validity of his story.
Paul did not have time to cause a riot—he was only there for twelve days, and his activities were closely monitored. His accusers couldn’t prove their charges, and the ones from Asia Minor who started these accusations were notably absent.
It is best to remain calm and clearly explain our actions with respect when we are defending ourselves.
In Paul’s defense, he highlights points of agreement between him and his adversaries. He agrees with the Pharisees about everything written in the Law and the Prophets (Acts 24:14). The Pharisees and Paul also share the same confidence of a future resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. “In view of this, [Paul says] I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men” (Acts 24:15-16, NIV).
When responding to injustice, we can agree with our adversaries where there is truth. However, we need to be blameless and present our defense with humility without hostility.
Paul continues his defense by laying out the whole story as honestly and forthrightly as he can. This is also a good thing for us to do.
An honest testimony is believable and engenders respect.
Why is Paul really on trial? He says to Governor Felix, “‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today’” (Acts 24:21, NIV). The Sanhedrin is mostly made up of Sadducees, which don’t believe in the resurrection (that is why they are sad, you see). However, neither the Pharisees nor the Sadducees want Paul to preach Jesus being resurrected from the dead. They don’t want Jesus accepted as the Messiah, nor do they want Gentiles in their religion. They think if they accept Jesus or the Gentiles, they will pollute their faith and lose their place of prestige in the Jewish community and the Roman world.
If we can, it is good to identify the issue—what is the truth?
Felix hopes to profit from Paul’s imprisonment, but it never materializes. As a governor, Felix has a reputation for being cruel. Although Felix knows Paul doesn’t deserve imprisonment, he keeps him locked up for two more years to please the Jews.
Sometimes we need to be patient while God is working.
Governor Festus succeeds Governor Felix. Little is known of Governor Festus, but he has a reputation for fairness. Knowing the volatile situation between Paul and the Jews, Festus goes to Jerusalem to hear about the case from them. Even after Paul’s two-year imprisonment, the Jews still hold a grudge against him and want to kill him. Festus invites the Jewish leaders to Caesarea for another trial.
At the trial in Caesarea, Festus attempts to please the Jews—he asks Paul if he wants to return to Jerusalem to be tried there, instead. The Jews want the apostle to appear there because they are planning an ambush to kill him. Paul knows of their real intent and makes his appeal to be tried in Caesars’ court. His appeal to Caesar could be likened to someone appealing to the Supreme Court in today’s world. Because he appeals to Caesar, he will be sent to Rome, the place of Caesar’s throne.
From Paul’s example, we can learn to be wise and astute in our defense.
King Agrippa II rules in north-east Palestine, but he and his sister Bernice visit Festus. At the same time, the Apostle Paul awaits transport as a prisoner to Rome. Governor Festus knows Paul has not done anything worthy of death. Festus wants King Agrippa’s perspective so that he will have some legal accusation to present to Caesar concerning Paul’s crimes.
Paul shares his conversion testimony
Before King Agrippa and Governor Festus, the Apostle Paul once more gives his defense. However, instead of defending his actions, Paul gives the testimony of his conversion, from being a zealous Pharisee to becoming a Christian (more...). Seeking to take advantage of God’s opportunity, he tries to persuade Festus and King Agrippa to become Christians. Although this doesn’t work, they come to a conclusion, saying, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar” (Acts 26:31-32, NIV).
In the end, God uses the unfair treatment of Paul and the court trials to allow him to give a reasonable defense and testimony of his faith and actions. It also will provide him with an all-expense-paid trip to Rome. He won’t go first-class, however—he will be taken to Rome as a prisoner!
The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the N.T. edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, p.422
Ibid.
Discussion
From the example of Paul’s defense, how should we respond to unfair treatment?
Why was the Apostle Paul really on trial?
In the end, how was Paul’s unfair treatment used in God’s providential plan?
Focus Verses
1Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Watch a video of today's Bible lesson here. Start at 2:36:15 and end at 2:55:32
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Looking Ahead: Paul's life was not always easy, as it is not always easy for us. How do we Navigate the Storms of Life? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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