Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

--Parallel verses:
II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭5‬
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

If we think of this world, different types of systems may come to mind: political systems, commerce systems, farming and weather systems, clothing trends, energy and mining trends, educational material trends, etc. Trends and systems change in this world. What was popular before today may not be tomorrow.

Bell-bottom jeans were popular a long time ago, came back for a while, and then faded away again. Reality TV was a big thing a while ago, now not so much.

I remember “choose your own ending” movies when I was growing up. I don’t see them anymore. Food trucks used to be a last resort when no restaurants were around, now people travel to find them. The point is, the things of this world are fickle and change on a dime at times.

Spiritually, what is popular in the world, goes in cycles too. In some ages, the world condemned homosexuality. Now it seems our society not only embraces it in the ruling class, they promote and protect it. Being one with yourself and drawing energy from the earth and crystals seems to be making a surge these days. My father and mother (and older brothers and sisters) were trapped in this lie over 50 years ago.

One constant is that this sinful world will continue to change its behavior to create the new and exciting “thing” for people to focus on, instead of the truth.

In contrast, Paul was not willing to morph to the world’s pleasures and trends. He was a servant of God and had a calling, a duty. We get a glimpse of this duty when he commands Timothy as his son in the faith to fulfill his duty too.
1) He says to preach the Word of God in and out of season. Be careful to instruct others with all accuracy and authority by God’s Spirit. And with great patience (like God, not wanting any to perish), correct, encourage, and rebuke.
2) He reminds Timothy to think about the fact that, as a leader, his actions are under increased scrutiny from God. He is held to a higher standard.
3) Finally, he says to Keep Your Head! Another way to say this is to renew your mind daily with God’s Spirit in charge. Focus on your evangelism call, work hard, endure hardship, and complete all the duties of your calling.

When challenges and persecution come today, just like it did in the early church, our selfish and first tendency can be to pull back and protect ourselves. Another temptation is to push through the hardship in our own strength. Neither of these responses is honoring to God, or particularly effective in spreading the good news about Jesus.

Instead, we must rely on Jesus to carry our burdens and give us strength to take on the seemingly insurmountable, at times. And he promises he will. Jesus says this in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30 (emphasis mine): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and LEARN FROM ME, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY YOKE IS EASY and MY BURDEN IS LIGHT.”

When we, out of foolishness, decide to carry on our own burdens, the results are always not God’s best. Most of the time we truly crash and burn. We can work in a better, more effective way by following Lord’s calling on our lives. And when we, in humility, reach out and receive the help Jesus offers us in the duties he calls us to … the yoke is easy and the burden is light because Jesus does all the heavy lifting.

Paul was faithful to focus on Jesus through the persecution, false accusations, and intimidation in his life. We are called to do the same.

Lord, help me to keep my calling and purpose in you front of mind. May my heart be drawn purely and primarily to your work set out before me. And may I do this work in your power and strength!