Acts 24:27

REFLECTIONS

READER! dismiss not this chapter without taking one short view more of this mock court of pretended justice, before whom the Apostle Paul was brought to answer for his life. Behold, on the one side, Tertullus hired for this purpose, that by his eloquence he might lead the minds of his hearers from what was right; and Ananias the high priest, to give weight by his presence to the accusations against Paul, and the whole body of the Jews with open mouth forming a clamorous cry to criminate the Apostle! On the other hand, behold the poor defenseless prisoner, while hearing their violent abuse, standing silent, and not presuming to open his mouth, until commanded by the governor. And, behold this time-serving prince presiding at such a court, whose object was to get money, and not administer justice! And where are the different parties now? What is become of the oratory of Tertullus? What are his present views of the sect of the Nazarenes, or of Paul, the ringleader? And what hath Felix, and all the characters of his complexion found of judgment, when from the trembling at the representation only, they have now entered into the full manifestation of it in reality, in the eternal world?

Blessed Lord Jesus! how sweet to the souls of all thy redeemed ones, is the recollection that thou art judge of the quick and dead! And amidst all the unjust decisions, and painful perversions, thy people are not unfrequently brought under, in the present time-state of the Church, the thought of thy righteous judgment brings relief to every case. He that is the believer's judge, is in the same moment his advocate and brother. He will vindicate the cause of his people, and finally and fully restore perfect order among all the works of God.