In the course of leading or participating in church ministry, have you ever been falsely accused of something? Have you witnessed this happening? How did you respond? When this happens, how should we react? The Apostle Paul was no exception to false accusations by religious leaders and people. Jesus's teaching and example informed Paul's reaction to false accusations. Let's look to Paul.
After Paul completed three fruitful missionary journeys, he returned to the mother church in Jerusalem. He wanted to testify to the gospel ministry's success in Gentile cities and regions. He also brought financial aid from Gentile Christians to the poor believers in the Jerusalem Church. Paul also came to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. When Paul entered Jerusalem, he was aggressively confronted by Jewish religious leaders who incited the anger of Jewish citizens against Paul. The religious leaders falsely accused Paul of teaching against Jewish law and defiling the Temple. Paul's accusers intended to eliminate him by execution. Paul's execution was stopped by a Roman official who protected Paul and put him on track to be tried under Roman law because Paul was a Roman citizen by birth. Paul was transferred away from Jerusalem to Caesarea. He stood before a Roman magistrate, two governors, and a king to stand trial for accusations against him. Each time Paul was put before a Roman official, Paul's accusers were not successful in producing evidence against Paul. Was Paul released to freedom? No, Paul was retained under house arrest because the Roman official feared the incitement of an uprising amongst the Jews. A quick read of Acts 21-25 shows that Paul was on track to be passed on to Rome to stand trial.
When we look at Paul's example of facing false accusations, we see that his response was simple: He stated facts and stayed in his lane to let God work. Paul followed Jesus' example when he stood trial before Jewish leaders and Pilate. Paul also followed Jesus' teaching in Matthew:
You have heard that it was said, '"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. - Mt 5:38-40.
When Paul was under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote about the topic of unjust accusations and persecution, saying,
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ''Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,'' says the Lord. – Rom 12:17-19.
As a Pharisee, Paul was thoroughly trained in the Mosaic Law and the Prophets. He would have known the Lord's word from the prophet Isaiah, who declared:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." – Is 55:8-9.
These three scriptures, and Jesus' example, tell us what to do when we are falsely accused:
Turn the other cheek
Trust God and leave revenge to him.
These teachings can feel like a tall order when others have hurt us or brought pain to those we love, especially when false accusations take root in our church families. As Christians, however, we need to understand that God's counsel in scripture throws us into his arms when our natural reaction is to raise angry arms to attack our false accusers. It is important to remember that no trial - past, present or future - is unknown to God. Nor are trials - like false accusations - outside of God's purpose to bring glory to himself in the workings of his amazing grace - in our lives and those who falsely accuse us.
As God's people, we have a fantastic opportunity to bring glory to God by following the examples of Paul and Jesus. As Jesus' followers, we are set apart from the world's ways. God's light is to shine through us, and it shines brightest during the darkest times. When we are falsely accused or wronged in some other way, we should choose to give a Godly response, not a worldly one.
Let's end with a teaching from Peter, a man who had his moments of reacting in his sinful flesh to false accusations and threats:
Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. – 1 Peter 3:13-16.
It's a great day to live the Gospel!
See you on Sundays!
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