“But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him” (Acts 25:25).
TEXT —Acts 25:22-27
Message
Amanda Knox, an American student studying abroad in Italy, was accused of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher, in 2007. The case attracted massive media attention and public interest, with many in Italy and around the world convinced of her guilt. Knox was initially convicted, but after a lengthy appeals process that included numerous legal twists and the revelation of major flaws in the prosecution’s case and forensic evidence, she was acquitted by Italy’s highest court in 2015. Her acquittal came despite significant pressure and opposition from Italian prosecutors and much of the public.
For his fervency and pungency in the dissemination of the gospel of truth, Apostle Paul frequently stirred the hornets’ nest. The religious and political gatekeepers of his day would often find trumped-up charges against him, in their desperate bid to condemn him, as they did in the day of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, our God, who anointed and commissioned him for service, never failed to deliver him from his enemies.
Some of the charges brought against Apostle Paul were laughable. Ranging from being an anarchist, leading a set of armed Nazarenes against the imperialist colonial administration of the Roman emperor, to bringing foreigners and thugs into the hallowed temple to desecrate it. Unconvinced, both Felix and Festus, Roman Procurators refused to hand him over to the Jews but extradited him to Rome when he appealed to Caesar Augustus. They knew he was innocent, and would have released him if he had not appealed to Caesar. This was said by King Agrippa, who later became involved in the case and found Paul innocent (Acts 26:32).
Jesus has already forewarned us, “…In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world…The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 16:33b; John 15:20). Therefore, believers should never feel sad, discouraged, or abandoned when faced with bitter criticisms, false accusations, or public reproach, provided they are on the path of righteousness. Instead, we should boldly endure afflictions of all sorts, brave the bitter accusations in the line of our service of the Master, knowing that truth will not be subdued for long.
Thought for the day
Those who stand on the truth and exude righteousness can survive any storm.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
