Let me break down shortly what is happening in Acts 24. Paul is defending himself in front of Felix. The members of the Sanhedrin (religious leaders) hire a public speaker, Tertullus, to help their case against Paul. Tertullus is a paid speaker, trained in these situations. Paul on the other hand continues to be his own representation. What’s fascinating is Paul isn’t known to be a great speaker.
Did you know the church in Corinth gossiped about Paul’s speech being weak prior to this?
“”For his letters,” they say, “ are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”” 2 Corinthians 10:10
Did you know Paul even shared he didn’t use persuasion when sharing the Gospel and preaching?
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Something for us all to remember it isn’t just what we say that’s impactful, but it’s how we live our life. Paul’s life was a testimony before these men and leaders. He lived out the love of Christ. He gave his life away and there was proof of that. He didn’t live his life for Paul’s sake but for the sake of Christ.
Does your life bring glory to the Lord? Would someone say of you, “so-and-so knows Jesus? We all have room to grow, but may our lives be a representation of Jesus. Jesus said, “if you try to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life for My sake you will find it.” I pray that my life is a representation of the presence of Christ and hope yours is too!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.