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

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

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

  • Acts 21:26-39
  • Philippians 3:17, 4:9; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

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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.

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.

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