The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them. Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." Acts 22:30-23:1
It had been twenty years. That’s right, twenty years earlier the deacon, Stephen, stood where Paul was now standing (Acts 7). Stephen was on trial before the chief priests and the council. Stephen gave a brilliant explanation for his faith in Christ, urging his inquisitors to join him in trusting Christ. They refused, “and they cast [Stephen] out of the city and stoned him.” (Acts 7:58) And the rest of verse fifty-eight:
And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 7:58
Now Paul was standing where Stephen stood, but Paul was on trial this time. Ironic.
Once the court was in session, official words were no doubt spoken stating the charges against the former persecutor of Christians, turned champion of the faith. Ananias, the high priest who presided over the Jesus’ religious trial, was without a doubt presiding.
When it was Paul’s turn to speak, Paul looked “intently at the council.” (ESV) Though his life was indeed on the line, Paul’s gaze was no doubt respectful, but he was not about to back down. Paul’s words were likewise respectful. Paul affirmed that he had always lived his life according to the will of God, in as much as he understood God’s will. This was true regarding his zeal for the law as a Pharisee. It was true regarding his vehement persecution of Christians. And it was now true regarding his passion to preach Christ. The difference was that before Paul was saved, he did not understand God’s will.
Paul’s plea before the court was innocence before God—even though in the eyes of his accusers, he was indeed “guilty” of being a Christian.
I have lived my entire life free from persecution for being a follower of Christ. If that were to change, would I follow the example of Paul before his accusers. Would I follow the example of Stephen? And of Christ Himself? The likelihood of persecution of Christians in the United States is increasing. The time to prepare for persecution is before it begins. The way to prepare for persecution is to live our lives “in all good conscience before God.” All day. Every day.
Heaven help us.