Acts 24:1-21 NKJV
[1] Now, after five days, Ananias, the high priest, came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. [2] And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, [3] we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. [4] Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. [5] For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. [6] He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law. [7] But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, [8] commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself, you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” [9] And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. [10] Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, [11] because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. [13] Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. [14] But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. [15] I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. [16] This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. [17] “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, [18] in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. [19] They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. [20] Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, [21] unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”
As believers, we are all called to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects a likeness to Christ. It is much easier said than done. There will be people who create unhealthy disruptions for us, stir dissension among us, and generate chaos around us. Our response should never default to retaliation. Jesus was clear in regards to our response.
Matthew 5:39 - But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Every fiber of my being pushes back from this teaching. My pride demands a response. Newton's Third Law of Motion states that "Every action requires an equal and opposite reaction." While this may hold true in physics, it does not apply to living like Jesus.
Paul didn't mount a long, drawn-out defense. He had every right to be upset with his situation. He didn't show out in anger. He presented himself (and his case) with dignity, honor, and respect. He didn't seek retaliation. He goes on (later) to address this behavior in his writings to the Romans.
Romans 12:17 - Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
We don't get to pick and choose how we are treated, but we do get to decide how we respond to the treatment. I can't control any outcome, good or bad. With the power of the Holy Spirit, I can control my attitude.
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