Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.
When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”
The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

False accusations are as old as the Garden of Eden. They are marked by partial and twisted truths, combined with lies, in order to make the accusation somewhat believable. And these accusations are sometimes effective in convincing judges, and leaders, at times, to act in ways that are not just.

We see this happening in our country right now in so many ways. Murderers and rapists are being released on plea deals. On the contrary, those who committed no violent crime, but are on the wrong side of a political issue, are given jail sentences or even kept in solitary confinement without trial. The shocking thing is this is not supposed to happen in a country of just laws.

The UK has now arrested the CEO of Telegram for speech that they deemed inflammatory. Speech that can incite violence. Basically a view they do not agree with.

Paul had seen these types of things happen to him and other believers too. Stephen was stoned for his speech proclaiming Jesus as Lord. The Jews considered this inflammatory and/or blasphemous. Paul himself was beaten, tortured, and persecuted for speaking about his faith.

So this false accusation came as no surprise to Paul. But it is interesting to study the sinful heart of man a bit, to see where the motives and arguments are coming from. This is important to build a convincing case for the truth and to combat lies. So I must pay attention, with a cool mind and a heart that honors God, when false accusations are laid against me.

Here are some good questions for me to consider:
What is the root motive behind the accusation? Who benefits from the truth being suppressed? How can I act and speak so that Jesus is primarily glorified and his truth reigns in my conversation?

Lord, may my heart, body language, speech, and behaviors exude your love and peace when falsely accused. Teach me to focus on the gospel of Jesus and the opportunity to share in his sufferings, instead of injustice toward me in this world. May my mind be full of your goodness!