S. Acts 25:11 (NIV)
If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
O. Paul upheld the rule of law. He would not subject himself to a “kangaroo” court. He was willing to be tried within the legal framework and he was willing to accept the consequences (although he so much believed and knew that he was on the right side of the law).
An additional thought about Paul and having respect for the rule of law. I have often thought that this is also a very good passage to defend capital punishment. Paul had said that if he had done anything worthy of death, he refused not to die; i.e., he would subject himself to the law.
A. As believers we should serve Christ with such zeal and integrity. We should not give in to the opposition and we should obey the rule of law. We should be living such godly examples that the enemy cannot find fault with our Christian witness and testimony.
P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you for Paul’s example of integrity when his adversaries tried to find fault with him. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to a life of such integrity and consistency before you. In Jesus’ name!
