WEDNESDAY January 17, 2024
Pomp and Circumstance
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. 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, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.”
Acts 24:1-3
Remember, Paul had such a heart to reach the Jews with the Gospel. He loved his people, but God had called him to preach to the Gentiles. Previously, Paul attempted to speak with them, but at the mention of the Gentiles receiving salvation, they went crazy! The Jews, in fury, almost killed him, but the Roman commander saved his life.
At present, Paul was on trial. The Apostle stood firm in the faith before Felix to give his defense. He had done nothing against Rome or against the Jews, but here came his accusers––Ananias the High Priest, with 71 Jewish elders from the Sanhedrin, and Tertullus, a lawyer hired by the Jews to have Paul condemned. Together they formulated a web of lies to have him tried by the Roman government and, hopefully, put to death.
Tertullus, a liar of a lawyer, came with such pomp and circumstance. He used flattering, smooth, elegant words to try to influence Felix. With his flowery speech, Tertullus attempted to get in his favor––on his good side––so Felix would believe his lies. That way he could successfully have Paul tried and sentenced. You would think there would have been witnesses, but there were none. What a liar!
I do not know if you have ever been falsely accused by anyone like this lawyer, but it is hard to stand there while someone, with a straight face, blatantly lies against you in front of others. Yet you are doing the honorable thing by speaking what is right before God and man.
Think of all the innocent people who have been imprisoned because of other people’s lies. Some have even died!
A lie consists in speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving.
~Augustine~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
