No Evidence

When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.

Acts 25:18 (NIV)

I remember, as a child, while playing with my siblings, one of us accidentally broke a vase. Everyone wanted to avoid punishment from our mother. When she approached our older brother, who was watching over us, to avoid being punished himself, he accused one of us. The most disturbing thing about his accusation was that he didn't really know whose fault it was, as he had no evidence of who had broken the vase.

This example illustrates Paul's situation when faced with his accusers. They accused him of committing a crime. But even the person they brought him before didn't understand why he was being accused, other than his belief that Jesus was still alive after His death. When the Bible tells us not to worry about what to say before the judges (Luke 12:11), this is exactly what it means: the world will accuse us, but no tangible evidence will be able to support its accusations.

If you are accused, rejected, and humiliated because of your faith, it may be difficult, but do not worry about anything, for Christ has already provided the solution for you. For whoever hears the accusations against you will defend you without even knowing it. If you must speak, do not worry, for the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what you should say, and even your accusers will be edified by your words. Always be ready to make room for the Holy Spirit when you are wrongly accused because of your faith.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.