SUNDAY January 14, 2024

Nothing Deserving of Death

He wrote a letter in the following manner: Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains.
Acts 23:25-29

Let me give a short background on Felix, the governor of Judea. Before he became the governor of Judea, he was really a nobody––a slave. Somehow, he got through the ranks and became promoted to this notable position. He was married to Drusilla, a Jewess, the daughter of Herod Agrippa I, and sister of Herod Agrippa II. The woman was evil. Drusilla had left her husband to become Felix’s wife. This was now his third wife.

The commander wrote a letter to Felix which explained to him the details of Paul’s situation. Notice, the letter also stated that Paul never committed any crime that was liable or punishable by death. Later, Paul would be given the opportunity to preach the Gospel to Felix and his wife.

Prior to Paul’s trial, Jesus was brought to trial after He was falsely accused by the Jews. As an innocent Man, He was sent to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. What were his findings? After questioning Jesus, he addressed His accusers and said: “I find no fault in Him at all” (John 18:38). Jesus had done nothing to be condemned to death. Pilate had Jesus scourged. Bloodied, Jesus was brought back out to the Jewish crowds, and again Pilate said: “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him” (John 19:4).

The Jews persisted to vilify Christ, and they began to shout to have Him crucified. Consider Pilate’s final words to them: “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it” (Matthew 27:24). Sadly, how many innocent Christians around the world have suffered death because of false accusations and their faith in Christ? Thousands.

We can take persecution because we know the purpose behind it. The purpose is to glorify God.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!