“10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: ‘Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. 11 You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12 They didn’t find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple complex or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. 13 Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me. 14 But I confess this to you: I worship my fathers God according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and men. 17 After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation, 18 and while I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. 19 It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Either let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 or about this one statement I cried out while standing among them, Today I am being judged before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.”

Acts 24:10-21

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We have a supreme confidence when we stand on the side of truth. There is never a reason ro waiver to wonder what we might say next. We don’t have to remember what story we told to whom or what details are supposed to remain silent. Either we speak (and we speak truth) or we choose to remain silent and maintain our integrity. Standing with the truth leaves us standing on a solid rock. 

Paul, as he gievs his defense here, we able to state everything as it actually happened. There was no need for evasive talk or side-stepping language. He spoke things as they happened. He revealed his purposes plainly and he challenged those who accused him to come and speak plainly as well. He made no effort to hide his allegiance to Jesus, or the fact that the Jews who pursued him did so because of his adherence to the Way. 

When we encounter people who would stand opposed to us, we can do so with confidence. We don’t have to be brash or tactless, but ebenfit instead from speaking the truth calmly and with gentleness. Truth doesn’t need to raise its voice or make a fuss. It simply needs to be presented, laid bare for all to see and examine. The truth doesn’t need us to validate it. It doesn’t need our backing. It stands alone, it stands firm & unshakable. Even in the face of vehement denial, it withstands onslaughts & rings in the ears of those who would accuse. 

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

“1 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up. 2 Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not walking in deceit or distorting Gods message, but commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in Gods sight by an open display of the truth.”

Let the light of truth shine. Stand gladly in its light.