“Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. Acts 24:13

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Paul just said to Felix that he was neither found in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting a crowd. He then added that this was true in the synagogues and in the city as well. He now adds in an almost challenging note to his accusers, saying, “Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.”

His words here, especially the word for “prove,” are actually a calling and a challenge to his accusers to come forward with evidence. He is the plaintiff and, therefore, they are under the burden of the law to stand behind the charges they have made.

The word he uses, paristémi, means to place beside or to stand beside. In other words, those who have made the accusations should now be ready (standing near) to present their proof. As there is none, the charges against Paul cannot stand.

Life application: As discussed in the previous verse, the world is getting more wicked and depraved daily. This, unfortunately, includes accusations being made against people that are wholly untrue. A lack of evidence or manipulated evidence, even when found out to be such, no longer matters.

In fact, evidence that exonerates people who have been charged is often completely ignored. Police have been arrested for simply doing their jobs. When evidence proves their innocence, it is ignored when what they were charged with carries political value.

Peaceful protestors are being arrested, and bogus charges are leveled against them when they are of a particular political party. This has gone even to the level of bringing innumerable charges against former leaders, not only in the US but in other countries as well. Anyone who bucks the globalist agenda is being targeted openly and flagrantly.

Conservative journalists are harassed and sued to silence them. These things will continue to get worse. Be wise and discerning as you go out into the world. Your stand as a Christian will be one that brings you under the watchful eye of the government. In China, this is now ubiquitous. Other countries of the world are quickly following that same path.

Wonderful Lord God, we are grateful to You for the honor of carrying the name of Jesus our Lord. Help us to be faithful to exalt Him, no matter what challenge is brought against us. The world is temporary, but what You have promised is eternal. May we be prepared to face the eternal, having never denied the Name that we now bear. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.