How should Christians respond to unjust opposition, as seen in Acts 25:3? Unjust Opposition Unmasked – Acts 25:3 “asking Festus to do them a favor by summoning Paul to Jerusalem. They were forming an ambush to kill him along the way.” • Religious leaders masked murder behind a request for “a favor.” • Paul had done nothing wrong; the hostility was driven by hatred of the gospel. • God exposed the plot (25:4-5) and protected Paul once again. What We Learn from Paul’s Response • He stayed calm, trusting the Lord’s promise: “Take courage, for as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) • He used lawful means: “I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:11). Seeking justice is not unspiritual. • He kept proclaiming Christ (Acts 26). Chains did not silence him. The Pattern of Scripture: Responding to Wrongful Attacks • Leave vengeance to God – Romans 12:19 “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” • Do good in return – Luke 6:27-28 “Love your enemies…pray for those who mistreat you.” • Maintain a clear conscience – 1 Peter 2:15 “By doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.” • Follow Jesus’ example – 1 Peter 2:23 “When He was reviled, He did not retaliate…but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • Keep the mission central – Philippians 1:12-14: hardship advanced the gospel, emboldening others. Practical Ways to Live This Out Today 1. Expect opposition. Jesus promised it (Matthew 5:10-12). Don’t be surprised or discouraged. 2. Pray for those who oppose you. Ask God to open their eyes and guard your heart from bitterness. 3. Speak truth with respect. Refuse slander; state facts, not insults (Acts 24:12-13). 4. Use rightful avenues of defense: courts, policies, accountability structures. God can work through them, just as He used Roman law for Paul’s safety. 5. Keep serving. Opposition is not an excuse to abandon calling; it is a chance to display Christ’s character. 6. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you, like the brothers who met Paul on the Appian Way (Acts 28:15). The Hope that Anchors Us • God’s sovereignty: He overturns hidden plots and turns them to His purpose (Genesis 50:20; Acts 25:3-4). • Christ’s presence: “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). • Future justice: Every wrong will be set right at Christ’s coming (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Hold fast to these truths. Unjust opposition cannot stop the gospel, and it cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). |
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