17 “Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’ ” (Acts 24:17–21 (ESV)
The Jews presented three accusations against the Apostle Paul when both parties came before the Roman Governor Felix. The Jews accused Paul of (1) causing riots among Jews all over the world and (2) being a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:1-9). Both accusations Paul refuted.
The third accusation was that he profaned the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Paul indicated that he was in the temple court, having come to Jerusalem to present alms and offerings from the Gentile churches to the church in Jerusalem, to purify himself according to the custom of the Jews (Acts 21:17-26). While he did so there was no crowd and there was no riot.
On the contrary, Paul indicated the riot was caused by certain Jews from Asia. Paul indicated that these Jews did not even come to the trial. He stated that these were the ones who should be present accusing him if they had anything against him. At the very least,
Since the Jews who were present at this particular trial were not first-hand eyewitnesses of what took place in the temple, they should at least testify what occurred when Paul stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1-9). The apostle stated that the real reason he was before Felix was because of the truth of the resurrection of the dead through Jesus Christ alone. This was a truth that half of the Sanhedrin did not accept or believe. It was the truth for which the apostle stood on trial.
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “You may never testify about your faith in a court of law. You may not have Paul’s oratorical skills. No matter. You must live and speak of the One, True God day by day. Never hesitate to bring up spiritual things. You will face ridicule and anger, but your testimony may be used in ways you cannot imagine. Simply speak and trust God for the results.”
Be strong and courageous beloved (Joshua 1:1-9). Have a blessed day.
Soli deo Gloria!
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