Do No Wrong
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Introduction
Introduction
This last week, it happened again. A prominent Christian was accused of sexual immorality and the accusation proved to be correct.
In recent months, politicians, movie starts, sports figures, and business executives have all fallen.
In our society accusations are abounding. This seems to be a weekly occurence. Another prominent leader, another Christian is accused.
Society and accusations. This seems to be a weekly occurence. Another prominent Christian or leader is accused.
The problem is that many of those who have been accused are guilty. They have secrets to hide.
This is not the way believers have been called to live.
We have been called to be Holy as Christ is Holy. declares this about Jesus (S).
22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
Jesus committed no sin.
We are to be like Jesus.
Turn to (p. 1346).
(p. 1346)
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
We are saints. This means that we have been set apart for the exclusive use and purpose of Jesus Christ. Therefore it is not acceptable to be desiring what belongs to others, to be discontent, to be engaged in sexual immorality, to speak without thought, or to make inappropriate jokes.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been called to a very high standard.
Why?
The primary reason is because we represent Jesus Christ. As His ambassadors, we are to always represent Him well.
There are, however, several secondary reasons. One of these will be our topic of consideration today.
Let’s back up for a minute and catch up to our study in Acts.
Let’s back up for a minute and catch up to our study in Acts.
Holiness in the child of God leaves no grounds for accusation.
That is what we want to examine this morning.
Paul stands his ground in the face of accusations because he knows he is innocent. Paul doesn’t have anything to hide.
Towards the end of ch. 21 we began the final section of the book of Acts.
Towards the end of ch. 21 we began the final section of the book of Acts.
Paul Is Called To Preach The Gospel In Rome Chs. 21:26-28:31
The first one to make the case seems right.
In chs. 21-23 we saw The Arrest That Will Lead Paul To Rome 21:26-23:22
The Arrest That Will Lead Paul To Rome 21:26-23:22
In chs. 23-24 we saw The Accusations That Will Lead Paul To Rome 23:23-24:27
The Accusations That Will Lead Paul To Rome 23:23-24:27
Today we begin examining the section that will deal with The Audiences That Will Lead Paul To Rome 25:1-26:32
The Audiences That Will Lead Paul To Rome 25:1-26:32
There are two audiences recorded for us. The first is Paul’s audience with Festus.
Paul’s audience with Festus.
The end of ch. 24 recorded Felix being replaced by Festus. Felix left Paul in prison because he was seeking the favor of the Jews.
Paul has been accused. All their accusations cannot stick because Paul is innocent.
This brings us to our purpose this morning.
Holiness in the child of God leaves no grounds for accusation.
That is what we want to examine this morning.
That is what we want to examine this morning.
Paul stands his ground in the face of accusations because he knows he is innocent. Paul doesn’t have anything to hide.
Paul stands his ground in the face of accusations because he knows he is innocent. Paul doesn’t have anything to hide.
Our passage reveals two situations where it is vital that we do no wrong. It also reveals two situations where having done no wrong is of great benefit.
Two situations where it is vital that we do no wrong. Also two situations where having done no wrong is of great benefit.
v. 7 accusations are made that cannot be proved.
v. 10 Paul states that he has done no wrong which Festus knows very well.
The goal this morning is to be challenged to live above reproach.
v. 12 this falls right in line with God’s stated purpose back in 23:11
This does not mean we are to be perfect. It means we are to deal with our sin appropriately, taking steps to live in health and freedom.
Two situations where it is vital that we do no wrong. Also two situations where having done no wrong is of great benefit.
When we live above reproach two things happen.
We better represent Christ.
We are unable to be successfully accused.
We will examine two situations this morning.
Situation #1. Do no wrong…
1. When Abiding Accusations vv. 1-7
1. When Abiding Accusations vv. 1-7
This is a situation where it is vital that we do no wrong. It is also a situation where having done no wrong is of great benefit.
As believers in Jesus Christ in a culture rapidly moving away from Him, the chances of us facing accusations of various kinds are high.
Over the past several months we have seen Paul facing accusations.
They have been false accusations that are repeatedly revealed to be false. Paul’s innocence has been evident to all. Furthermore, Paul has declared His innocence and the blameless manner in which he lives his life.
The holiness of Paul’s lifestyle gives him the ability to abide accusations and it provides him a defense.
When we do no wrong and they are making false accusations against us, our innocence provides two defenses.
Defense #1. When we do no wrong we…
a. Defuse plots vv. 1-3
a. Defuse plots vv. 1-3
READ v. 1
Festus has replaced Felix, he comes into the province and travels from Caesarea (which is where Paul is) to Jerusalem (S).
We are being set up for verse 2. Who do you think Festus is going to meet in Jerusalem?
READ v. 2
It’s only been three days! This is how fast our enemy can operate. This is how desperate they are to silence Paul.
May we make our enemy this desperate to silence us!
What is their goal here?
The first one to make the case seems right. (S).
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
They want to get to Festus first! They think they have a chance with this new governor to get rid of Paul.
Informed – ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō) reveal; make known. To indict , to formally accuse someone of a crime to an authority.
Informed – ἐμφανίζω (emphanizō)
This word came to have legal connotations. They are making a formal indictment of Paul. They are accusing him.
Now, where is Paul? Caesarea. Where is this taking place? Jerusalem.
They don’t want Paul to be able to defend himself!
Why not? Because he has repeatedly been found innocent.
The only reason Paul is still in prison is because Felix didn’t want to upset the Jews!
Beloved. Believers in Jesus Christ are not promised justice in this life.
We will be mistreated, we will be accused, and degraded, and put down.
Here’s what we need to remember. (S).
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Vengeance belongs to God!
We have not been called to have an easy life now. We have been called to make Christ known, to learn of Him and display Him to a lost and dying world!
The first one to make the case seems right.
Oftentimes, Christ is seen most clearly when we endure trials and suffering.
Our response to the trials and difficulties of life put Christ on display!
The trials and accusations of Paul are not only about him. They are about gospel opportunities. They are about the character of Christ being formed in Paul and about that character being lived out through Paul.
Your trials are not only about you. They are about forming the character of Christ in you. They are about putting Jesus Christ on display for all to see! They are about gospel opportunities.
These religious leaders accuse Paul and then make a petition.
READ v. 3
They are asking for a favor concerning Paul.
What’s the favor?
For Felix to bring Paul to Jerusalem.
Why?
So they could kill Paul. I’m pretty sure they didn’t say that though. :)
In ch. 23 we are told how the plot against Paul was discovered. Here we are simply told that the plot existed.
Once again we have the spiritual leaders plotting against Paul. There are men of Paul’s own country lying in wait to kill him.
Paul has done nothing wrong.
His innocence will once again work in his favor.
But it bears repeating that Paul’s innocent didn’t prevent them from accusing him. Remember that we have an enemy.
The fact that Luke states this plot as a known thing implies that Paul was aware of it.
We can only speculate, but it seems reasonable to assume that Paul was once again informed of the plot ahead of time. Why? I would suggest that the holiness of his lifestyle played a part.
While the innocence of Paul will ultimately assure the failure of this plot, it doesn’t prevent the plot itself.
Innocence does not dictate peace.
We have an enemy. Our enemy doesn’t care about our innocence. Our enemy only desires our destruction.
Do no wrong, because then accusations will not stick, however, do not expect innocent to bring peace.
Our first defense is that when we do no wrong we defuse plots.
?????
Defense #2. When we do no wrong we…
b. Discredit protest vv. 4-7
b. Discredit protest vv. 4-7
READ v. 4
Festus is going to Caesarea and will judge him there.
What a coincidence right?
This is divine protection!
God’s preservation of His children does not always take the form we think.
He has and does miraculously deliver. However, what Paul experiences here is still His deliverance.
He may not deliver out of a trial. He may instead deliver through it.
We want and expect Him to change the circumstances. But His plan may require us to remain!
This is what Paul learned through his thorn in the side. Notice God’s response when Paul asks for the thorns removal. (S).
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God does not always remove the trials, He gives us the strength and grace necessary to endure trials.
Some of you here today are facing trials. Everything you need to endure them is found in Jesus Christ!
Are we committed to God's will even in difficulty?
READ v. 5
Festus commands them to come down and accuse Paul.
They are to come down and accuse Paul.
They are going to hold a trial to determine if Paul has done anything wrong.
These are the moments when how we have lived our lives are vital.
They are going to look for fault in Paul.
How hard would someone have to look at our lives to find fault?
I don’t ask this to shame us. Remember that all your sin and mine is under the blood of Christ.
The goal this morning is to live in a way that more closely reflects the character of Christ.
This means we are always striving to do better. We don’t chastise ourselves for the past, we learn from it and we move forward.
READ v. 6
Festus spends 10 days in Jerusalem. It says he was “among them” the idea seems to be he spent these days with the Jewish leaders.
No doubt he was hearing about how bad Paul was.
Finally he arrives in Caesarea and Paul is brought to be judged.
The language here indicates an official hearing.
READ v. 7
Here is where we see the character of Paul playing a significant role.
They are bringing a multitude of accusations against Paul.
The details of the charges are not given. We are simply told they are very serious.
They only have one small problem, they cannot prove anything they are accusing him of.
Notice that the lack of evidence does not stop them from making the accusations.
The character of Paul, his actions, demonstrate that these accusations are baseless.
This is what we are to expect. But when we have done no wrong, something interesting happens.
Turn to (p. 1393).
(p. 1393)
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
When we are innocent and falsely accused, it brings shame on those who accuse us.
This seems to have been what happened with Felix, he saw that Paul was innocent.
Festus will end up passing the buck to Caesar. I believe part of that motivation is that Festus knows Paul is innocent.
The leaders accuse Paul of many things.
It’s almost as if they think if they just pile enough accusations on, maybe something will stick.
If they just pile enough accusations on, maybe something will stick.
They can make all the accusations they want, Paul is innocent.
Innocence exposes prejudice.
Though Paul has done no wrong, though the cannot prove their accusations, they still make them. This exposes the fact that they are set against Paul no matter what. They are prejudice against him.
Scripture makes it very clear that the world will hate us.
The message we proclaim is that all are sinners in need of a savior, that is not a popular message.
The Cross is a stumblingblock to those who do not know Christ.
Do not be surprised by their prejudice. Instead, love them to Jesus. That is, after all, what He commanded. (S).
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
v. 7 They accuse Paul but cannot prove their points.
v. 43 is what our world teaches. Hang out with those you agree with. Only have friends who validate your opinions. Jesus says no.
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse.
Do good for those who hate.
Pray for those who spite you and persecute you.
These are impossible commands. If we try to do them on our own.
Only Christ can give us the ability to love our enemies.
They will hate us and accuse us as they did Paul. We live for Jesus no matter what.
Do no wrong when abiding accusations.
Situation #2. Do no wrong…
2. When Answering Accusations vv. 8-12
2. When Answering Accusations vv. 8-12
So far in this scenario, Paul has said nothing.
Throughout Paul’s trials we have seen him handle accusations in various ways.
There are times he has been silent. Times he has preached the gospel. Times he has answered his accusers countering the charges.
Here we find him declaring his innocence.
When we do no wrong and are falsely accused we can answer accusations with two responses.
Response #1…
a. Briefly deny vv. 8-9
a. Briefly deny vv. 8-9
READ v. 8
Answered – ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai) defend oneself. To provide argumentation in defense of oneself (for presumably false accusations).
Answered – ἀπολογέομαι (apologeomai)
Paul is offering his defense.
What is his defense?
Paul replies that he is innocent. I have offended no one at all.
Offended is the idea of breaking a law. Paul has broken no law in what he has done.
This is a simple and brief denial of wrong.
Sometimes this is all that is required.
On occasion, simply stating our innocence is a good defense.
But consider with me what is required in order to make this statement.
Paul lists three spheres. Cultural, religious, and civic.
The law of the Jews. Paul had done nothing he could be accused of culturally.
Religious, Paul had not done anything to defile the temple.
Paul had not done anything that would have made him legally guilty.
This is a huge statement. Paul’s claim is to be completely without offense in anything.
The idea is not that he is sinlessly perfect. The idea is that any sin has been dealt with appropriately.
In these specific areas, he has done nothing wrong.
Could we say this?
Would we be able to offer this kind of defense?
Sinless perfection cannot be attained this side of glory.
What we are going for as children of God is progress.
Are we growing? Are we having increasing victory over the “sin that so easily besets us?”
Again, we do not expect perfection, only progress.
In Paul’s defense he lists specific areas they had made accusations.
Paul is innocent.
READ v. 9
Festus wants the Jews to owe him one. He is trying to do them a favor.
Here is another time where Roman law protects Paul. Festus couldn’t order Paul back to Jerusalem because of their law. Paul had to agree.
As a Roman citizen he has the right to a trial and, as we will see, the right to an appeal.
Festus asks Paul if he is willing to be tried in Jerusalem.
“Willing” is almost a mistranslation. The idea is more “do you want to go?”
On a merely practical level, why would you want to go back to a city you were already tried in and falsely accused?
In this particular situation, Paul knows going back to Jerusalem will result in his death.
Festus wants to please the Jews and send Paul to Jerusalem. Paul wants to live.
v. 9 Festus wants to please them and send Paul to Jerusalem. Paul appeals to Caesar.
Paul has already stated his innocence. Now he has a decision to make.
v. 9 Festus wants to please them and send Paul to Jerusalem. Paul appeals to Caesar.
We learned in v. 7 that they cannot prove the accusations they are making. Paul has done nothing wrong. He is innocent.
From that perspective, it wouldn’t matter where he is when he is tried. If it were not for the knowledge that going back to Jerusalem would result in his death, Paul probably would have gone.
Once again we see the divine had of God protecting Paul.
There is another consideration here.
Paul has been told he will proclaim Christ in Rome.
With that in mind, traveling back to Jerusalem is not an option.
Making the decision to go to Rome requires faith.
Paul has no idea what will happen to him there. All he knows is that God has called him there and will give gospel opportunities.
Do we trust God?
This is really the only question that matters.
How and why seem like important questions. But they lie in the sovereign hand of God.
Our only consideration is, “will I obey?” “Will I trust God and do His will?”
What about when He asks us to do unreasonable things?
What about when He asks us to take a step of faith?
What about when He wants us to trust Him with our children? Our grandchildren? Our great-grandchildren? Our health? Our very lives?
It is healthy to remind ourselves of who God is. Turn to (p. 845).
(p. 845)
12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? 13 And you forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day Because of the fury of the oppressor, When he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, That he should not die in the pit, And that his bread should not fail. 15 But I am the Lord your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared— The Lord of hosts is His name. 16 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’ ”
God comforts. He is in control. Why do we fear men? Why do we allow the fear of man to make us forget the power of our God?
God is greater than our enemy! He is the Lord of hosts. The God of angel armies!
He covers us. He leads us. He is in control!
Paul is able to do and say these things because He knows His God.
Do we?
Paul has offered the brief denial and it has not worked.
Innocence does not demand freedom.
Innocence does not demand freedom.
Paul knows that God has a plan. That plan includes him being in his current position and eventually going to Rome.
Response #1, briefly deny.
Response #2…
b. Boldly declare vv. 10-12
b. Boldly declare vv. 10-12
Having done no wrong makes bold proclamation possible.
READ v. 10
Wow. Talk about boldness!
“Festus, you know I am innocent!”
Paul has done nothing to harm or treat the Jews unjustly.
Only someone who has done no wrong can speak to the governor this way.
Paul is where he is supposed to be.
He is in the center of God’s will.
READ v. 11
This is another incredible statement from Paul.
If Paul had done anything wrong, he wouldn’t object to dying for it. Wow.
Would I say that?
Am I committed to the justice of God to this degree?
Paul is saying, “If I’m guilty, ok. If not, you cannot make me do anything.”
If I’m guilty, ok. If not, you cannot make me do anything.
“If all their accusations are baseless and cannot be proved, I will not be delivered to them.”
Paul is standing his ground.
It is possible that Paul did this because of what the Lord had told him in 23:11. It is also possible that he was simply trying to preserve his life. Probably both.
The point is that Paul’s innocence gives him the ability to make this declaration.
Paul appeals to Caesar.
READ v. 12
Festus takes the easy way out here.
He confers with his counselors and decides to send Paul to Rome.
This gets him off the hook with the Jews and helps him avoid the complicated issue of denying Paul’s appeal.
All of this falls right in line with God’s stated purpose back in 23:11.
Paul will go to Rome.
This is the result of his bold declaration. That declaration was informed by God’s direction.
Innocence is used by God for His purpose.
God has a plan and a purpose for your life and mine.
Doing no harm makes us better able to live as He directs.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
Paul lived above reproach.
Because Paul had a holy lifestyle, the accusations of his enemies did not stick.
We must strive to live above reproach.
However, doing so will not mean peace, safety, and security.
We have an enemy. We will be attacked.
Living a holy life enables us to stand firm in the face of accusations.
Being holy also makes us usable vessels for the purpose of Christ.
Paul did no wrong. His innocence placed him in the center of God’s will on a course for Rome.
Do no wrong.
Live for Christ and represent Him well.
Live for Christ and be used by Him.
Be holy and watch the will of God unfold.
#380 “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
1 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him,
3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.
4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly.
5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”
6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.
7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove,
8 while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”
9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”
10 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know.
11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”