Acts 24. The Apostle Paul has been transferred from Jerusalem to Caesarea and is being held in confinement while awaiting an opportunity to face his accusers in front of the governor. When his accusers show up and the court is convened, we see that the accusers are full of flowery speech and false accusations. Can you imagine the flattery and the tone of voice in 24:3-9? It’s almost like a bad high school play – Oh most excellent Felix, blah, blah, blah.

To his credit, Paul seems rather peaceful, boring, and certain that he has done nothing wrong. His conduct before Governor Felix reminds me of something Paul said previously, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” (23:1) They did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd (24:12). I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man (24:16).

Paul is certain that he has done nothing wrong. He does have some theological differences with his accusers, but he has handled these differences with peacefulness and patience.

Then God intervenes again on Paul’s behalf, ensuring that he receives some liberty while in custody and that none of his friends are prevented from attending to his needs (24:23). And it’s a good thing that Felix granted him these liberties, since he kept Paul in prison for two years while waiting for a bribe and using Paul for his own intellectual entertainment.

What about you and I? Can we say that we have lived our lives in good conscience each day, taking pains to have a clear conscience before God and man? Are we certain that no one could lodge a complaint against our behavior?

I find Paul’s integrity and certainty rather convicting. Let’s reflect today on what would be required for us to be able to have a completely clear conscience before God and others.