Acts 24:20

Sunday, 11 February 2024

“Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, Acts 24:20

A more literal rendering is, “Or let these themselves say if they found any unrighteousness, having stood me before the Sanhedrin” (CG).

In the previous verse, Paul noted that the people who purportedly had testimony against him should have been brought forth if they really had evidence worth listening to. As a final challenge to his accusers, he now introduces the words of this and the next verse, beginning with, “Or let these themselves say if they found any unrighteousness.”

As none of the Jews from Asia who supposedly had testimony against Paul had come to testify, he appealed to those who were present to testify against him. It is almost a mocking challenge because they had brought Tertullus to speak for them. Paul knew that they didn’t know Roman law. He also knew that they had absolutely no evidence against him.

Therefore, if they opened their mouths, they would either have to tell the truth, thus exonerating him, or they would have to perjure themselves, something he knew they would not be able to do effectively. As such, they would not do it at all. With that stated, his challenging words continue with, “having stood me before the Sanhedrin.”

They had been at the Sanhedrin, calling for him to be present, to which he complied. This is found in Acts 22:30-23:10. The thing is that the garrison commander and various Roman guards were there, too. Therefore, they could testify to Paul’s truthfulness and against any lies spoken of him during that time at the Sanhedrin.

While there, they had heard Paul’s testimony and should be able to competently bear witness to his conduct at that time, whether proper or improper. Thus, his words are a direct challenge to either speak up or give up on the case against him.

It should be noted that until this verse, Paul hasn't spoken at all about Jesus being the Messiah or about His resurrection. It has been a defense formed entirely around the facts of the case in regard to what he has been accused of.

Life application: Paul has masterfully kept his religious beliefs out of the trial until this point, knowing that what he said in that regard would be a distraction from the main point of the trial itself, which was that he stood before a civil court, not a religious one.

Having said that, in the next verse, he will finally bring in religious matters. The reason why he will do this is because his words of defense have come to their end with nothing of a civil matter having been done wrong. Therefore, by bringing in the religious words, it will be evident that it is that, and not an infraction against Rome, that lies at the heart of the enmity directed at him.

As this is so, it will mean that Rome has no jurisdiction over that issue, and all charges should be dropped. However, Jesus has already told him that Paul must witness for Him in Rome (Acts 23:11). Therefore, the coming events will continue to unfold with that statement being fulfilled.

In other words, God’s plans will come to pass. This is true not just in Paul’s life but also in all of ours. We have our part to do in living out our lives, but God’s overall plan is the priority. Therefore, when all is said and done, we must acknowledge and accept that what transpires is what is in accord with His will.

Having this attitude, we can be freed from frustrations that would otherwise consume our thoughts. The words “His will be done” are true and comforting. Speak them often.

Lord God, may Your will be the highest joy in our lives. As time passes and our lives unfold before You, may we understand that nothing happens apart from Your knowledge. Things will meet up with Your final plan for us, so help us to be content with that and glorify You at all times. We truly believe that You have the best in store for us. Thank You for this assurance. Amen.