How should Christians today respond to accusations similar to those in Acts 7:28? Verse in Focus “ ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?’ … ‘Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ ” (Acts 7:27-28) What the Accusation Meant Then • Moses’s past sin (killing the Egyptian) was thrown back at him. • His right to speak or lead was challenged: “Who made you ruler and judge?” • The charge implied hypocrisy—“you’re no better than the rest of us.” Modern Echoes of the Same Charge • “You call yourself a Christian, yet you used to ____.” • “Who are you to judge my lifestyle?” • “The church has hurt people; why should we listen to you?” Why These Accusations Sting • They expose real or remembered failures. • They question our moral authority. • They can silence witness if we respond poorly. Ground Rules for a Biblical Response • Confess any genuine sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Rest in Christ’s finished work. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) • Live the new life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Practical Steps When Confronted 1. Listen without defensiveness. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) 2. Acknowledge any truth in the accusation. Humility disarms. 3. Testify to grace: • “Yes, that was me. Christ has forgiven and changed me.” • “He offers the same mercy to you.” 4. Keep the focus on Jesus, not yourself. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord…” (2 Corinthians 4:5) 5. Speak with gentleness and respect. “Yet do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.” (1 Peter 3:15-16) 6. Leave ultimate vindication to God. “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate… He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) When the Accusation Is True • Repent immediately—private wrongs privately, public wrongs publicly (Proverbs 28:13). • Make restitution if possible (Luke 19:8-9). • Continue serving after repentance; God uses restored people (cf. Moses, David, Peter). When the Accusation Is False • Maintain integrity; let consistent conduct answer the charge (1 Peter 2:12). • Refuse bitterness; pray for the accuser (Matthew 5:44). • Press on in the mission; Stephen kept testifying even under false accusation (Acts 6:13-15). Guardrails Against Future Hypocrisy • Daily self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accountability within the body (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Obedience to Scripture rather than personal opinion (John 14:15). Encouragement from Moses and Stephen • Moses was imperfect, yet God still called him to lead. • Stephen recounted Moses’s story to confront Israel with truth, unfazed by potential backlash. • Both illustrate that God’s approval matters more than human approval. Living It Out Today • Expect that past failures will be remembered; let them showcase God’s mercy. • Refuse to be silenced by guilt already forgiven at the cross. • Stand firm in truth, speak with love, keep a clear conscience, and trust God with the results. |
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