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‘I have done nothing wrong’: Acts 25.1–12 (Day 219)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Acts 25

The Romans were in many ways a horrifyingly brutal people, but they were, much of the time at least, committed to the rule of law. A new governor, Festus, has inherited the problem of Paul from his predecessor Felix; again, the Jewish leaders were baying for his blood. It would have been easy for Festus to agree, and indeed he offers Paul the chance of a risky journey to Jerusalem to plead his case before them. As a Roman citizen, though, Paul has the right to appeal to the emperor, and Festus agrees (verse 12).

The great advantage of Roman justice for Paul was its clarity. The Jewish leaders were accusing him of all kinds of things that simply weren't true. Their attitude to the new teachings of Christianity was coloured by nationalism, self-interest and fear. Paul was able to keep the focus of his replies simply on Jesus, and on his own experience of God's grace.

Today, we live in a complicated world in which churchgoers are in a small minority and Christianity is one world-view among many – and as such, we're closer to Paul's situation than our parents or grandparents might have been. There's much to be said for concentrating on what we know: that God loves us, and Christ died for us. If we are misunderstood and falsely accused, often the best thing to do is to be steadfast in preaching Jesus.

Pray

Pray

God, help me to keep the main thing the main thing. Help me not to be distracted by what others might think of me, but to keep focused on Christ.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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