Acts 25 Lesson

FALSE ACCUSATIONS

Have you ever been falsely accused of something? 

How did you respond? 

At some point in our lives, most of us have been accused of something that we did not do. 

When this happens, how should we react? 

How does the Bible teach us to respond?

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

• “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.” – Mathew 5:38-40.

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he wrote: 

• “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace.  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:17-19.

These two scriptures tell us what to do when we are falsely accused:

1. Turn the other cheek,
2. Leave the revenge to God.

This can feel like a tall order when others have hurt us or brought pain to those that we love.  

As Christians, however, we need to understand that God knows what He is doing, and we need to trust in His plan. 

TRUSTING GOD

The Prophet Isaiah had this to say about the wisdom of God:

• “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9.

When we are falsely accused, the world tells us to take a stand and stick up for ourselves. 

But is that what the Bible teaches? 

Is that what Paul did?

Or what Jesus did? 

Paul was almost stoned to death twice! 

In Acts Chapter 25, Paul finds himself on trial for his life, having already served two years in prison for something he did not do. 

And yet, we do not find Paul sulking, or seeking vengeance. 

Instead, we see him following the example of Jesus and turning the other cheek. 

When Jesus was about to be crucified, He said:

• “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34.

When somebody wrongs us, our first instinct may be to defend ourselves and fight back. 

But that would not agree with the scriptures or the examples that we have just read.

CONCLUSION

We cannot control what other people say about us, but we can control how we react. 

When we are falsely accused, or wronged in some other way, we have a fantastic opportunity to bring glory to God by following the examples of Paul and Jesus. 

Instead of returning evil with evil, we can obey the scriptures by doing two things:

1. Turning the other cheek,
2. Leaving the vengeance to God.

This may seem different or unusual, and that is ok. 

As God’s people, we are called to be different. 

God’s light shines through us, and it shines brightest during the darkest times.   

When we are falsely accused, or wronged in some other way, we should choose to give a Godly response, and not a worldly one.  

We will end today’s lesson with the following scripture:

• “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.  And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” – 1 Peter 3:13-16.