Acts 24
By Pastor Brad
The Trial Before Felix
The floors and walls of the governor’s palace are cold, just like the hearts of those bringing accusation against Paul.
Words and sounds echo across this gathering place like ripples in the pond after skipping stones.
As the governor calls for Paul to be brought before them, you can hear the rattle of the chains as they scuffle across the floor.
Under his breath the high priest Ananias whispers to Paul as he passes by, “You’re going down!” At this moment these words, which were meant to destroy Paul’s confidence, suddenly give him added strength. A smirk arises from the corner of his mouth as he considers it a privilege to be counted as a follower of his beloved Christ.
This is a case in which the likes of Perry Mason, Matlock, Alan Shore or Denny Crane would love to deliberate. But, there are no elaborate myrtlewood desks for those prosecuting to sit behind.
The eloquence in which the Sanhedrin’s expert legal counselor Tertullus uses would make any jury see black as white and vice versa. His smooth tongue weaves deception as an attempt to implicate Paul with acts of heresy and desecration of the temple. When Tertullus, the master schmoozer, completes his dissertation of the charges against Paul, Felix motions for Paul to take the stand. And boy does he!
After Paul is allowed to respond to the charges, Felix then adjourns the proceedings. For the next two years Paul under low security shares his faith with Felix and his wife Drusilla.
When you find yourself in a situation as Paul, remember the words of this song by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. (Make sure to watch the video and testimony following)
I Am Not Ashamed
We’re an anchor for those who are hurting,
We’re a harbor for those who are lost;
Sometimes it’s not always easy bearing Calvary’s cross.
We’ve been ridiculed by those who don’t know him,
And mocked by those who don’t believe.
Still, I love standing up for my Jesus
‘Cause of all that He’s done for me.
That’s why I am not ashamed of the gospel,
The gospel of Jesus Christ.
No, I am not afraid to be counted,
But I’m willing to give my life.
See I’m ready to be all He wants me to be;
Give up the wrong for the right.
Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel,
No I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
For ev’ry moment His hand has held mercy,
For all the love He’s shown all my life,
A simple thanks doesn’t say how I’m feeling;
I get tears in my eyes.
I’ve got too much behind me to let this world blind me.
To some He’s a name, but to me, He’s my ev’rything.
Oh, I am not ashamed of the gospel,
No I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Click here to watch “I Am Not Ashamed” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
