S. S. Times 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.… 1. Paul could look steadfastly at the council, for he was no criminal whose own knowledge of guilt should cause him to hang his head in shame. 2. Paul realised that he was living before God. A man is not likely to go far wrong so long as he remembers that God's eye is constantly upon him. 3. Paul had that best of all possessions, an approving conscience. Therefore Paul was confident and independent. 4. Paul's words enraged Ananias. Nothing arouses a bad man's anger sooner than a reminder of a good man's goodness. 5. Paul could feel and express a righteous indignation. Christianity never takes the backbone out of a man. 6. Paul could righteously regret his indignant response after it was uttered. The best Christian makes mistakes of ignorance. (S. S. Times.) 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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