WEDNESDAY July 16, 2025

Standing Alone

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
2 Timothy 4:16

Paul spoke of the first time he gave his verbal defense in a court of law. No one was with him to aid or speak on his behalf. Sadly, he was alone, for no one stood with him. He stood alone to defend his innocence, while being pursued by his enemies who spoke false accusations.

How do you think Paul felt when nobody stood with him as he was giving his defense? He felt abandoned and forsaken––alone. But Paul was gracious, loving, and kind. He followed the example of his Master, and the wonderful witness of another saint––Stephen.

Jesus, although innocent, was condemned to death on the Cross. In pain and agony, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). What about Stephen? False witnesses stirred up people, elders, and scribes against him. In front of the High Priest, Stephen gave an amazing defense of the Gospel message, He proved from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ––the Messiah––the Just One (Acts 7:1-53).

Angry, and cut to the heart by Stephen’s witness, these religious men cast him out of the city, and began to stone him. And who do you think was there to witness his death? The Apostle Paul, who at the time was named Saul––a persecutor of the Church: ...and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul (Acts 7:58). What were Stephen’s last words? “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60).

As far as we know, Paul did not witness Jesus’ death, but he did witness Stephen’s. It made such an impact on his life. Using similar words that he heard Stephen say, Paul said of those who had deserted him, “May it not be charged against them.” He forgave those who failed to faithfully stand with him in his hour of need. He sought no revenge.

We must never harbor any thoughts of revenge. Ask God to help you forgive those who have forsaken and wronged you.

Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace.
The cost to God was the Cross of Christ.
~Oswald Chambers~

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