Mr. Tertullus, a lawyer hired by Paul’s opponents lashed out against Paul and Christianity. He said,
“We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him” (Acts 24:5-7). Paul shunned Tertullus, but tactically defended his faith in the court. Paul articulated his speech and said to the judge, “…But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men” (Acts 24:14-16).
Lesson:
Christianity has always faced opposition from unbelievers (and it would continue to face it). God is well and able to defend us if we are challenged. Inasmuch there is God on the throne, there is no force of any kind that can overpower us. We Christians are children of light, and no darkness can prevail over us. We are not ordinary people; we are God’s servants, and we have been anointed by Jesus Christ to proclaim his good news to the ends of the earth. Meanwhile, believers cannot afford to sit around unreasonable opponents and waste precious time needed to further gospel evangelization. Christians should avoid wasting time with people who are adamant in their archaic way of thinking and would not consider the benefits of the gospel. Believers should concentrate their efforts on sharing the gospel with people, and pay due attention to their willing audience. Also, we must follow up with people and ensure they remain consistent in their faith with the Lord. Our Christian efforts must be productive in all ramifications. As it is necessary, we must be prayerful to receive God’s grace and strength to keep standing in faith at all times.
Prayer:
In the name of Jesus Christ, I receive power and grace to continue preaching the irresistible gospel. I receive Christ’s anointing to share his gospel to every land, nation, and tongue. I receive the power of the Holy Spirit to stand firm in faith and be resilient in my confession of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, I reaffirm my authority over the devil and all his agents and instrument: I command them to bow in the name of Jesus Christ! I frustrate every power of the enemy that is set out to silence me. I command Satan to get lost from every aspect of my life so that I can continue to shine gospel light to the ends of the earth. For in the name of Jesus Christ I exercise my authority! Amen!
