Acts 24:1 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

Malice, innocence, and power.

We have illustrated here—

I. THE WEAPONS OF MALICE .

1. Persistent hatred. It was a long journey to Caesarea, and it was a most humiliating thing, to which they were utterly averse, for the high priest and the elders to appear before the Roman judge to get their countrymen into their own power; nevertheless the undying hatred, the animosity which did not diminish by time carried them through their distasteful work.

2. Disgusting flattery ( Acts 24:2 , Acts 24:3 ).

3. Gross misrepresentation ( Acts 24:5 ). Paul had caused no little dissension and conflict among his fellow-countrymen, but it was simple perversion of the truth to call him a "pestilent fellow," etc.

4. Offensive characterization ( Acts 24:5 ). Paul was "a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes;" but malice put his position into the most offensive form it could command.

5. Downright falsehood ( Acts 24:6 ). He had not " gone about to profane the temple." These various falsities came from the lips of Tertullus, but they were owned and adopted by the Jews ( Acts 24:9 ). To such baseness malice will stoop to compass its ends; to such iniquity professed piety will condescend when inflamed by the unholy heats of bigotry.

II. THE DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE .

1. Courtesy ( Acts 24:10 ). We may not flatter, but we must be courteous and conciliatory ( 1 Peter 3:8 ; 1 Samuel 25:23-33 ).

2. Straightforward statement ( Acts 24:11 , Acts 24:14-17 ). There is no better way by which to prove our integrity than telling the whole truth from beginning to end, with perfect frankness.

3. Fearless denial ( Acts 24:12 , Acts 24:13 , Acts 24:18 ). We should solemnly deny, in calm and dignified language, that which is falsely alleged against us; in quietness and composure rather than in vehemence and loud protestation, is our strength.

4. Righteous challenge ( Acts 24:19 , Acts 24:20 ). We may do well to face our accusers with bold and righteous challenge ( John 8:46 ).

III. THE PITIFULNESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN POWER . Felix