Acts 24
In this chapter Paul was given a chance to defend himself against the accusations of the high priest Ananias; that he caused sedition among the Jews world wide, was a ring leader of the sect of the Nazarenes and that he had profaned the temple. Paul defends himself by professing his guilt.
"But this I confess unto thee, that after "the way" which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers. Believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and unjust." (Acts 24:14)
In other words, the only thing Paul is guilty of is: 1) Being a follower of Jesus. 2) A believer in the Scriptures and 3) Waiting for the Resurrection. These beliefs kept Paul in jail for another 2 years.
Today, in many countries around the world, Christians are still being persecuted for their beliefs; jailed, banished, tortured and even executed. May God give them strength to stand in the face of those who would take their life. May the Spirit remind us to pray for the persecuted church around the world - and may we be found guilty of .... following "The Way."
The Truth
"Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:20-21)
