Have you heard the vibe has shifted? Whether you call it a quiet revival, the surprising rebirth in belief in God, or something more modest, it appears there is a new sense of openness towards Christianity. Christians may have felt increasingly sidelined in the recent past, but now, at least in some circles, we are being given a hearing where we weren’t before. Something of this phenomenon has been reflected in my own local experience. There has been a steady trickle of young people who are seeking answers to big questions and are willing to listen to what their Christian friends have to say. Perhaps you have seen the same in your own context. That raises the question, how should we conduct ourselves when we feel we are finally given a hearing?
In Acts 24, Paul is given the floor before the Roman governor Felix. He had been falsely accused, shouted down on multiple occasions and there was a plan afoot to have him killed. But then he is sent under guard to Governor Felix and is given a proper hearing. There are five characteristics of Paul’s response to this opportunity that are worthy of our imitation as we too are invited to have our say.
Cheerfully and Courteously
It would be understandable if Paul’s words were filled with bitterness given all the injustice he has experienced. But Paul begins instead with cheerfulness: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defence” (Acts 24:10, ESV). Paul’s approach is formal, and he appears to follow an established rhetorical pattern (c.f. Tertullus’ accusation in 24:2). Nevertheless, it is still noteworthy that has choose to speak with appropriate respect and courtesy.
Paul is glad to have the opportunity to defend himself without being interrupted by a mob, despite it being a long time coming. The tone of his whole speech is unflustered, possibly even cheerful. In our own conversations we can aim for this same kind of calmness and gladness.
To be sure, Paul never shrinks back from speaking hard or challenging words. He never shies away from proclaiming the truth even if it is controversial or unpopular.
But even in this highly charged situation, he is not at all boastful or scornful. We too can resist the temptation to be hostile towards those we find hurtful or intimidating. We don’t need to hit back, or stick the boot in, or gleefully ‘own’ our enemies, or give in to petty point-scoring. Instead, we can choose to be confident and courteous and cheerful. Because like Paul we know that Jesus is Lord. And he is sovereign over all.
A Clear Conscience
Paul’s cheerfulness also stems from his confidence that he really is innocent. If Felix wants to he could verify what actually occurred (verse 11). Paul knows his accusers cannot prove what they claim (verse 13). “I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man,” he says in verse 16.
In the same way, our witness today will either be strengthened or undermined by the observable evidence of our lives and the conduct of our churches. To have a clear conscience does not require of us unblemished perfection. However, it may require honest confession of the ways that we have failed to faithfully follow Christ. Humbly admitting our own weakness will not hurt our witness. History has shown us that the real damage is done when we try to hide it away.
We must not forget that there is no more powerful witness than the observable love of the people of God. Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Christ-centred
We must also never forget that the central Christian proclamation is the Lordship of Christ. As usual, Paul is relentlessly focused on Jesus in his speech to Felix. Yes, he defends himself, but only so he can get to the heart of the matter: “It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day” (verse 21). He clears away the obstacles and the objections in order to reveal the true stumbling block of Jesus Christ crucified and risen.
It was heartening to see Wes Huff following Paul’s pattern in his recent appearance on the hugely popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast. The whole three-hour conversation culminated with the question: “So what do you make of Jesus?” Wes waded through questions about conspiracy theories and the pyramids, psychedelics and textual criticism, and through it all he remained relentlessly Christ-centred. We can do the same in our conversations with friends and family and colleagues and neighbours. We can listen attentively to their questions, we can do our best to give honest answers, and we can keep coming back to Christ. For that remains the central question: “What do you make of Jesus?”
Not Controlled by Outcomes
Felix understood what was at the heart of Paul’s message: “Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus” (verse 24).
Felix was compelled by the way Paul spoke before him, and he wanted to hear more about the gospel message. How wonderful! The following verses, unfortunately, are incredibly deflating. Felix is filled with fear, Paul is quickly dismissed, and then he is left in prison for two years. Paul is once again reduced to a political football. How disappointing!
Was Paul’s witness a success? It’s complicated.
As we cheerfully and confidently speak of Christ, there will be a whole range of different responses and outcomes. Some will dismiss us, some will listen to us, some will mock us, some will commend us, some will do all of the above!
We must not think that if we just have enough grace and truth then we will never face conflict and will avoid all discomfort. Jesus was full of grace and truth and that got him crucified! Paul was cheerful and courteous and he was kept in chains. Similarly, We also must not then abandon grace and truth in order to ‘win’. Paul could have ‘won’ by paying the bribe that Felix was looking for (Acts 24:26). However, that in itself would have been a loss. For our task as Christians is not to win trials, win votes, win arguments, or win culture wars. Our task is to witness to Christ.
And so whatever the response, we should keep speaking about Jesus. For one of the outcomes is that some will hear the gospel, repent and believe.
Concerned for the Salvation of Real People
Ultimately, this is the animating centre of Paul’s witness. He is not concerned for his own reputation, or his own comfort, even his own life. He is concerned that Christ would be honoured as Lord in the hearts of those who hear him. As he says in his later trial before King Agrippa: “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:28–29).
This remains our heart and our hope. We long for people to believe the gospel, to trust in Christ, and receive all the blessings and the benefits that God gives us in him.
Who knows where the vibes are headed? Like Paul, we could be given a brief hearing only to be ignored again for years to come. Perhaps we stand on the precipice of revival. Whatever the circumstances, our prayer is the same: that whenever we get a hearing all who listen to us may become what we are—sinners saved by the grace of God in Christ.
