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.
Isaiah 46:4
"Even to your old age and gray hairs, I AM he, I AM he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Not Everyone Is Clean' (Jn. 13:10-11)
"Jesus replied [after his interchange with Peter about washing Peter's feet], "A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Mark 3:13
"Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume, because they are not called to the highest places in the ministry; but reader be it thine....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Receiving God's Promises Through Faith'
"Dear Child of Grace, Many people in your fallen world accept or reject others based on race. They exclude those who are not of their race. The..."

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!