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Thursday 25 April 2024

Acts 24:10-16 - I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors

24:10-13

Felix then invites Paul to respond to the accusations. Paul acknowledges Felix’s position, but without the fawning praise that Tertullus used. Paul presents his defence in very measured tones, without overreacting. He had gone up to Jerusalem to worship twelve days ago, but only to worship. Indeed, Paul had not even proclaimed the gospel in the temple, something he often did in the synagogues he visited. And Paul claims that his accusers can present no evidence to support their accusations.


24:14-16

Paul then openly states that he is a follower of “the Way”. “The Way” was a term the believers preferred to use to describe themselves. Jesus Himself said He was the way. Paul also then said that he believed everything that was in the Law and the Prophets. A fundamental aspect of the gospel is that it is the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets. Paul then goes on to refer to the resurrection. Note that both “the righteous and the wicked” will be raised, one to eternal life, the other to eternal judgement. So Paul strove to keep his conscience clear before God and man. This could be a swipe at his Jewish accusers, who were most definitely not acting in accord with God’s ways. They were lying, and seeking to kill Paul, just as they acted against Jesus.


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