Articles
Before Felix - Acts 24
Before Felix - Acts 24
When accused before the Roman governor, Paul gave this defense:
(14) "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; (15) having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (16) "In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. (Acts 24:14-16)
I find it interesting to observe how Paul’s enemies attacked him: they used THE SYSTEM OF THE DAY. Using the SYSTEM – in this case, the Roman legal system. What? To adjudicate a Jewish religious problem? How is THAT going to work? That is, just look at the history of the relationship between Rome and Judaism!
The solution is actually on a personal level: do your best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. First, before God! That is after all the one that will count on the day of judgment! Second, as much as you are able, with men. As here though, often doing what you know is right will conflict with what men think is right. We have here the old teaching – do NOT follow a multitude to do evil (Exod. 23:2).
Will this solve your WOLDLY relationship problems? Probably not! In the world you will have tribulation said Jesus! (cp. John 16:33).
SO, first, educate your conscience! Make sure ‘it’ knows what is right. Use God’s standards.
Second, with such an educated conscience, do your best to keep a BLAMELESS conscience. If you think it is wrong, do NOT do it!
How is your conscience?
Hugh DeLong
