Unstoppable! 'Paul Continues To Emphasize His Innocence' — Acts 25:8

Sunday, November 22, 2026

Paul denied the charges [made by the leading priests and other Jewish leaders]. "I am not guilty of any crime against the Jewish laws or the Temple or the Roman government," he said.

— Acts 25:8 NLT

Key Thought

Paul told the truth. He insisted he was not guilty of any crime:

  • Not against any Jewish law.
  • Not against the rules and laws concerning not violating the Temple of God.
  • Not against any Roman law or civic responsibility.

Paul was attacked in Jerusalem because of a misunderstanding and a false accusation that he had taken a Gentile into the inner court of the Temple, and then arrested.* The truth was straightforward: The charges were wrong. Paul was imprisoned and suffering unjustly. So, Paul's handling of his whole situation becomes an ongoing example of how we should conduct ourselves when being treated unfairly.**

* See our first Related Scripture Reading.
** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me the wisdom to use few words that are full of truth and offered with grace and conviction to answer those who accuse me. Holy Spirit, I need your wisdom and your gift of those words so that I can answer others with respect, courage, and assertive yet gracious speech. Thank you for the assurance that I am never alone as I face my challenges and trials. Thank you for Paul's example to me on how I should conduct myself when facing difficulties and challenges. By the authority of Christ's name, I offer this prayer. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Navigating Political Minefields
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Each of My disciples is precious to Me. I hate for any of them to have to go through unfair trials and difficulties...."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 25:8 NLT — Paul denied the charges [made by the leading priests and other Jewish leaders]. "I am not guilty of any crime against the Jewish laws or the Temple or the Roman government," he said.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, November 22, 2026

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 5:13
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 107:7
"Changeful experience often leads the anxious believer to enquire "Why is it thus with me?" I looked for light, but lo, darkness came; for peace, but....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Fragrance of Christ' (2 Co. 2:14-16)
"Dear Father, Let the incense which is my life and my prayers arise as a sweet fragrance to you. Thanks be to you, my God, that you always lead me in...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Evelyn Underhill:
"The spiritual life is a stern choice. It is not a consoling retreat from the difficulties of existence, but an invitation to enter fully into that difficult..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!