MONDAY January 22, 2024
Where Are My Accusers?
“Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 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 stood before the council, 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.’ ”
Acts 24:17-21
Going back to Acts 24, Paul had just declared he was blameless in his conscience before God and men: “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:16). This was a remarkable statement. He had a clear conscience. What a man of God he was!
Paul addressed the Jews’ false accusations. The reason he was in Jerusalem was to bring alms and offerings in accordance with the tradition of Purification in the Temple. He was not there to start a riot; he was peaceful. The Jews from Asia were the ones stirring up the crowds. Why did they bring no formal complaint before Felix? Where were their witnesses? Paul challenged them, “Let them step forward to speak if they have found any wrongdoing in me.”
Paul cut to the chase. He was straightforward, “Am I not being judged because of the false lies the Jews have made up against me, but is it really because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in which I have made you all accountable?” His words must have been like a knife that went deep into their hearts––complete conviction. What would they do with the knowledge of the Gospel and the conviction now in their consciences?
Listen, there is life after death. Imagine someone’s conscience, their awareness in their mind, when leaving this world, that they knew the truth, but rejected it––that is so tragic.
The gospel is not speculation but fact. It is truth, because it is the record of a Person who is the Truth.
~Alexander Maclaren~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
