"Defense and Testimony"

       "They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything

             against me. Or else let those who are here themselves say if they 

                found any wrongdoing in me while i stand before the council'

                                                ACTS 24: 19-20 

        Paul has answered two of the Jews accusations. He now turns to the third: "He even tried to profane the temple"' (ACTS 24:6a). Paulbegins by telling Felix that he was away from Judea for many years, indeed, except for his brief visit at the conclusion of his second missionary journey (18:22), he was absent from the province for nearly a decade. But wgen he did return from his journexs in Gentile lands, it was not to dtir dissention or internally profNe the temple. Rsther, he came beRing gifts to the Jewish bekievers from thdif Gentile brother. Ironically, it was Jews from thise Gentile lands i. Asia who fpund him in the temple, but he was "'neither with a mobnor with tumult,'" and he was ubergoing and nearl completed the rituals of purification (21:27). In short. Paul. Asserts that he has done nothing that warrant a trial before the Jews, much less the Roman governor.

        Paul brings out the fact that his case started with an accusation by the Jews, not the Jews of Jerusalem. That being the case,the asians should be present before Felix to make their charges. On the other hand, those who are present-- the high priest and the eldersdid not witnessthe scene in the temple. They are qualified to testify only concerning those things Paul said in his appearance before the Sanhedrin, and the only possible statement with which they can take issue had to do with his hopeof resurrection of the dead. "Paul states that wgen he was before the Sanhedrin he uttered only one critical sentence, and it pertained mot to the political concernof the Romans but to the theological concern of Jews and Christians," Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes, "'this means the point of conflict between Ananias and  Paul is a theological issue that ought to be discussed in a Jewish ecclesiaical court." With just a few words, Paul has skillfully undermined the creditbility of his accusers and showm that his case does not concern the Roaman Empire.

        It is worth noting that even as Psul defends himself he functions as a witness for Christ by mentioning the resurrection of the dead. Yhe hope of eternal life that is precious to all believers. He speaks of it before the Sanhedrin (23:6) and Governor Felix (25:15,21). " this doctrine is fundamental to the Christian faith and fearlessly (Paul) proclaim it everywhere, " Kistemaker writes.

        You may never testify about your faith in a court of law. You may not have Paul's oratorical skills. No matter. You must live and soeak of your God day by day. Never hesitate to bring up spiritual things. You will face ridicule and anger. But your testimony may be used in ways you cannot image. Simply speak and trust zgod for the results.