How to Defend Yourself Against False Accusations - Biblically. (Acts 24: 1-27)

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Welcome to today’s episode. Our topic is one that resonates deeply with many of us: How to Defend Yourself Against False Accusations - Biblically. Life often brings conflict and misunderstanding, and as believers, we must navigate these challenges with wisdom and integrity. Together, we’ll explore Acts 24, where Paul demonstrates a godly approach to defending oneself. Let’s dive in to learn how his example can help us face accusations while staying rooted in truth and grace.

 Episode Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we examine Acts 24, where Paul faces serious accusations before Governor Felix. His calm, reasoned response provides a biblical model for defending oneself against false charges. We discuss practical lessons applicable to life’s many conflicts—whether at home, work, or in ministry. Here’s what you can expect:

 The Accusation (Acts 24:1-9):

Paul’s Defence (Acts 24:10-21):

 Felix’s Decision (Acts 24:22-27):

Paul’s example reminds us to trust God’s justice and timing when facing trials. Whether accusations are entirely false or partially true, humility, wisdom, and truth-telling are our biblical guideposts.

 Thank you for joining us. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review. Stay tuned as we continue our journey through Acts, uncovering timeless principles for today’s challenges. 

Transcript

How to Defend Yourself Against False Accusations - Biblically. 

(Acts 24: 1-27)

Complete Transcript: 

At some point in life, we all find ourselves needing to defend our actions, our motives, or even our character. Conflict and accusations are simply part of the human experience. 

Think about it: if you’ve ever been a child with older siblings, chances are you learned how to defend yourself early. When something went wrong, who got the blame? You. When you did something wrong, who did you blame? Probably your brother or sister.

And from those first moments of self-defense, life provides plenty of similar opportunities.

When you start school, you may face accusations of bulling from classmates, in the playground fairness can feel like a distant ideal. 

Later, you might marry and while marriage is a beautiful covenant relationship, it’s hard to imagine a married person who hasn’t had to explain their actions more than a few times to their spouse. 

Then there’s the workplace, a whole different arena of complaints, and misunderstandings can occur in the world of office politics.

And if you really want a challenge, try serving in public ministry or church leadership. It’s impossible to please everyone, criticism, and questioning your motives, these are often just part of the job. 

And most importantly, if you stand for the ruth of the gospel, sooner or later you’ll be called into account.

So, the question is: How do you defend yourself when accusations come? What should we do when we’re accused of wrongdoing—whether falsely or legitimately?

In Acts 24, Paul finds himself in exactly this position. He’s been arrested and must answer his accusers before the Roman governor. 

This wasn’t just an everyday misunderstanding; it was a legal case with high stakes. Yet, in observing how Paul handles himself, we can learn practical lessons about facing accusations in our own lives, whether they arise at home, work, or in ministry…..

This chapter 25, naturally divides into three parts:

·        The Accusation – Tertullus, the skilled orator, makes his case against Paul.

·        Paul’s Defense – Paul answers the charges with truth and integrity.

·        Felix’s Decision – The governor must decide what to do, though his response reveals a man torn between justice and self-interest.

We’ll walk through each section together and learn how Paul's example can guide us when it’s our turn to give an account. 

Let’s turn to Acts 24 and see how Paul defends himself.

The Accusation

Acts 24:1-9

Let’s begin by looking at the accusation.

Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.  And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

(Acts 24:1-3)

Verse 1 tells us that Ananias, the high priest, came down with a group of elders but they didn’t come alone—they brought a skilled orator named Tertullus to present their case against Paul. Think of Tertullus as a lawyer hired to speak on their behalf.

Tertullus begins with a polished, flattering introduction.

It doesn’t take a bible expert to recognize this for what it is—empty flattery. Tertullus offers praise that both he and Felix know is far from the truth. Felix’s rule was not in fact marked by peace or prosperity. History shows that his governorship was brutal and corrupt. He put down rebellions with force, hired assassins to murder a previous high priest, and was known for cruelty rather than peacekeeping. 

This is nauseating flattery, every word of it insincere.

After buttering up the governor, Tertullus finally gets to the point, leveling three main charges against Paul:

Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. But commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

(Acts 25: 4-6)

Paul is a “plague” or public nuisance.

The word here is used metaphorically, implying that Paul is a dangerous troublemaker spreading discord everywhere. 

We might say he’s accused of being a civic pest, someone who is causing widespread disruption. For the Romans, this was serious, as they valued public order above all else.

Paul, they also claim is the ringleader of the sect called the Nazarenes.

This is the only time in the Bible that Christians are referred to as Nazarenes. It likely comes from Jesus’s association with Nazareth. Early Christians were often called by various names, including followers of The Way. But this term "Nazarene" was used disparagingly, but it also reflects the movement’s Jewish roots. 

Interestingly, some modern groups have reclaimed this title. Today, there are both Christian denominations, like the Church of the Nazarene, and Messianic Jewish groups that identify with the term. 

They also say that Paul has profaned the temple.

This is the most inflammatory charge. The accusers claimed Paul brought a Gentile into a part of the temple restricted to Jews. This was the rumour that ignited the riot that led to Paul’s arrest, but it was completely false.

So, these are the changes:

1.   He’s a troublemaker,

2.   He’s a ringleader of a dangerous sect,

3.   And he is guilty of sacrilege.

Tertullus also claims that they had seized Paul and were prepared to handle the matter according to their law, but the Roman commander intervened “with great violence” and took Paul from them.

Is that what really happened? Not even close. 

The truth is, they were beating Paul to death when the commander rescued him. Tertullus twists the facts to paint the Jews as law-abiding victims and the Romans as violent meddlers.

Now, let’s pause for a moment and make an important observation. 

Every accusation against Paul was false. This passage leads us to ask:

How should we defend ourselves when we are falsely accused?

Before we answer that, let me make a quick side note. 

What if the accusation against you has some truth in it? What should you do then? The first step is to listen. A wise person listens to criticism and asks, “Is there any truth here that I need to hear?” Even if the accusation is partially false, there may be something to learn. Humility requires us to be teachable.

But in this case, Paul clearly faced completely false accusations. 

What Do We Normally Do, when we are falsely accused of something?

When someone accuses us, what’s our natural reaction? We get defensive, we react emotionally, and sometimes it happens very quickly. 

You hear an accusation and before you know it, you’re firing back without thinking things through.

So, let’s continue and see how he responds.

10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection [e]of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

17 “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, 18 in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 19 They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20 Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, 21 unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”

(Acts 24:10-21)

Verse 10 begins with Governor Felix giving Paul the opportunity to speak. Paul responds, and immediately we notice a significant difference between his approach and that of Tertullus.

Compare his response with Tertullus’s overly flattering introduction. Paul’s tone is respectful but direct. He acknowledges Felix’s experience as a judge without groveling. There’s no flattery, just a straightforward recognition of the facts.

Paul then begins his defense, presenting reasoned denials and factual evidence:

He states that it had only been twelve days since he arrived in Jerusalem. His point? He simply didn’t have enough time to stir up the kind of chaos he was accused of.

He went to the temple to worship, not to dispute or incite crowds. Paul is careful to emphasize that his intentions were peaceful.

He notes that his accusers cannot prove their charges. No witnesses could substantiate the claims.

Paul’s defense is calm, logical, and evidence-based. He denies their accusations by laying out verifiable facts: he was only in Jerusalem for a short time, he came to worship, and no disturbances can be linked to his actions.

Now are modern idea of worship for many has come to mean a mood created by music, but that is far from the biblical definition. The Hebrew and Greek words translated as "worship" convey the idea of bowing down or paying homage. Think of the image of bowing to the ground in prayer—that’s the literal meaning of worship: Prostrating oneself in reverence. It signifies honor, submission, and respect.

Biblical worship involves much more than singing. It includes singing, yes,  but it also meant giving, praying, serving, and living in a way that honors God. 

In fact, if we were to use the word "worship" as broadly as Scripture does, then all of life can be an act of worship when it’s lived in honor of God. 

It’s not about creating a certain feeling; it’s about recognizing God’s worth and responding appropriately. Acknowledging and honoring someone deserving of respect.

In verse 14, Paul pivots from defending himself to making a confession:

Paul openly identifies with this group they refer to as "the Way," this was a term used for early Christians. He affirms his faith in the God of his ancestors and his belief in the Scriptures. In doing so, he makes two key points:

He is not an apostate Jew. On the contrary, he fully believes in the Law and the Prophets.

His faith is in Jesus as the Messiah stating that his faith is a continuation, not a departure, from true Judaism.

But he also emphasizes a central tenet of his faith: The resurrection of the dead. This belief aligned with the Pharisees and distinguished him from the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection.

Paul always found a way to connect his defense to the gospel. In this speech, he doesn’t explicitly mention the resurrection of Christ—that will come later in his defense before Festus. However, his reference to the general resurrection sets the stage for a broader discussion of Jesus’s resurrection, coming soon.

In summary, Paul’s defense before Felix is a model of calm, respectful truth-telling. He denies false charges with clear facts and boldly declares his faith. It’s a powerful example for us when we face criticism or accusation.

Paul’s approach to defending himself provides us with a biblical model for responding to false accusations. 

Let’s recap what we’ve observed so far:

·        Deny the specific charges with facts: Paul addresses each accusation directly, refuting them with evidence of his actual conduct.

·        Explain what really happened: He clarifies his actions, emphasizing that he was in the Temple purified, not causing any riot or disturbance.

·        Challenge your accusers to prove their case: Paul questions the absence of his true accusers—those from Asia—who should have presented their claims in person.

This calm, logical, and composed strategy demonstrates remarkable wisdom. Paul avoids emotional reactions or defensiveness. His response models a critical lesson: speaking the truth clearly, without bitterness or self-pity. 

It’s impressive how Paul, despite gross misrepresentation, maintained a composed demeanor. This is a key takeaway for anyone facing unjust accusations.

Paul’s strategy: refute with facts, explain your actions, and appeal to reason rather than emotion.

Next, we’ll see how Felix responds and what happens when truth confronts a troubled conscience.

22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 23 So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.

24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, [g]that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

(Acts 25: 22-27)

Governor Felix faces a decision. Please note this passage tells us that Felix he was familiar with Christianity, which was often called “the Way.” This knowledge shapes his response: he postpones judgment until the Roman commander can provide more information. 

In the meantime, Paul remains under a form of house arrest, with some freedom for visitors and support from friends.

Felix and his wife Drusilla then summon Paul to hear him speak about his, “faith in Christ”.

A deeper understanding of Felix and his wife’s background helps illuminate the gravity of this moment. Felix was a former slave who rose to power through cunning and cruelty, had a notorious reputation for corruption. 

Drusilla, was his third wife, was known for her beauty and ambition. Historical sources, including the writings of Josephus, tell us that she left her first husband to marry Felix—a morally questionable union by both Jewish and Roman standards.

Paul’s response is bold and uncompromising. In verse 25, he reasons with them about righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come—subjects that directly challenge their lifestyle. Felix, was known as a man of indulgence and corruption, and he now hears Paul speak of God’s righteous standard and the need for self-discipline.

Imagine the tension as Paul, a prisoner, proclaims the reality of divine judgment to a powerful but morally compromised couple.

Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment and this is precisely what Paul, filled with the Spirit, does before Felix and Drusilla. 

His message cuts to the heart of their lives, exposing the need for repentance and faith in Christ.

This passage challenges me to consider my own responses when facing injustice or opportunities to share our faith. Do we speak truth boldly, as Paul did here, and trusting God with the outcome? Do we defend ourselves with wisdom and grace, avoiding emotional defensiveness? 

Finally, are we ready, like Paul, to reason about righteousness, self-control, and judgment—even when it’s uncomfortable or confrontational?

When leading people to Christ, it's entirely appropriate to talk about sin. That’s why we need a Savior. 

Some today want to avoid this uncomfortable truth, but Paul didn’t shy away from it, and neither did John the Baptist. In his defense before Felix, Paul spoke boldly about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. He addressed sin directly because he loved people enough to tell them the truth.

Felix’s response was one of fear—but instead of turning to God, he said, ‘Go away for now; when I have a more convenient time, I will call for you again.’ Tragically, we have no record of that convenient time ever arriving for Felix. He let fear paralyze him rather than move him towards repentance and salvation.

Paul, however, never missed an opportunity. Even when falsely accused and unfairly imprisoned, he used his defense as a platform for evangelism. He calmly stated the facts, avoided defensiveness, and pointed people to Christ.

So, how should we respond when we're falsely accused or face adversity?

·        First, deny the false charges with facts.

·        Second, explain the truth calmly and clearly.

·        Finally, challenge your accusers to prove their case—but use the moment to shine the light of Christ.

Paul’s story reminds us to make the most of every opportunity. Whether it’s an accusation, a trial, or a minor irritation, use it for God's glory. Share His truth and His love. Let your life be a testimony.

So today, let your light shine. Use every trial, challenge, and conversation to glorify God and point others to the hope of the resurrection and eternal life in Christ Jesus.

And when confronted with truth or sin in your own life don’t procrastinate but let instead drive you towards repentance and forgiveness.

Thank you for joining me today.