The Number One Priority for Christians
October 26, 2009 (Monday)
When the Apostle Paul returned to Jerusalem from his third missionary trip, he was placed under arrest under confusing circumstances caused by an unruly mob. A plot by forty assassins to murder him was discovered and he was taken under guard to the Roman Governor’s palace in Caesarea. He was followed by religious leaders from Jerusalem who accused him before the governor. Paul spoke in his own defense against the charges (Acts 24:10-21).
His principal beliefs, held in common with his accusers, are stated in verses 14 and 15. He said he believed in the Law, the Prophets, and the resurrection of all the dead. But he went a step farther, proclaiming his faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. His accusers believed in a Messiah to be revealed at some point in history, but they did not believe Jesus was he.
Paul had written earlier to the Christians in Rome, saying to them, “I serve God with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his son” (Romans 1:9). He would later write to the Christians in Philippi, “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He never shrank from speaking straightforwardly about Jesus as the son of God and the savior of the world. He had written to the Romans, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ!” (Romans 1:16).
This honesty of faith and his expressing it openly and boldly was a hallmark of Paul’s ministry. It cost him great suffering as he was opposed everywhere he went, many times being physically mistreated, once even left for dead after being stoned. His love for Christ and the gospel would eventually cost him his life because Nero’s executioner would behead him, along with thousands of other Christians who refused to renounce their faith.
When I think of how many people have suffered for their faith, and how many more around the world continue to do so, I am sorry I have complained about little annoyances and inconveniences in my service for Christ. Please do not forget that as you read this, October 26, 2009, here in the 21st Century, Christians in other countries are being arrested, punished, mistreated, even killed, and their church buildings have been destroyed by intolerant regimes. It is against the law in many places today to witness for Christ and to share your faith as a Christian. (Use your browser and search for information on this. One example of information can be found at http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/223.htm).
We wonder if we would pass the test of remaining faithful to Christ under the threat of persecution. While Christian brothers and sisters in other nations suffer so much, it ill behooves us in this free land to complain about petty matters, neglecting to share the gospel with nonbelievers.
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Acts 24:14-15 Paul’s main defense:
I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.