SCRIPTURE: Acts 24:10-27
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Paul did not intentionally provoke the Jews, and he did not “desecrate” the temple, as the Jews from Asia said (Acts 21:27-29). I like how the movement is called “the Way”, since it describes a way of life. Paul mentions that he believes everything that agrees with the Law, but this does not mean that everything in the law is a part of the Way. The Law pointed forwards to Jesus, and is now fulfilled. The hope of the resurrection is the key point of his defense. Note also that he talks with Felix about faith in Christ Jesus, and in that context brings up righteousness, self-control and the judgment.
Where do these factors (the resurrection, the Law, faith in Jesus Christ, righteousness, self-control and the judgment) fit into my own sharing of the faith? I need to be prepared to share the reason for my hope (1 Peter 3:15-16), just like Paul did.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me as I struggle to better understand what I believe, and to share that with the same confidence and passion as Paul demonstrates here, even when facing arrest, jail and false accusation. Amen.