Acts 23:1-11 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.… Paul would never have guessed the priestly character of Ananias from his conduct. Outside testimony was necessary to show that the religious ruler was there. It is a great pity when a man has to furnish some other evidence than his speech and conduct that he is worthy of respect and confidence. It is not to a man's credit when those who have seen him and heard him speak can say, "I had no idea from his style of speech that he was a clergyman"; "I did not suppose that he was a church member"; "I am surprised that he holds a position of trust." Even a child ought to be known by his doings. It is to his shame if those who watch him say, "He does not act as though he had a good mother"; "He certainly fails to show that he has been well brought up"; "I cannot understand how that boy has been in a good Sunday school for five years." How is it with you? Would everybody who meets you wist that you are as worthy of a good name and of an honourable station as you claim to be? (H. C. Trumbull, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. |
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