When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe in everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Imagine with me a beauty contest between a swan and a peacock. The Peacock starts out and struts her colorful feathers, she bobs and weaves around the stage, showing off her moves and dazzling some in the audience and the judges. The Swan, however, takes a more simple approach. She simply walks across the stage, displaying her beauty without fanfare or extravagance. When it is time for each contestant to speak, the Peacock talks about herself in comparison to the Swan, but all of the comments cut at the Swan’s simple appearance. The Peacock says that the Swan does not take a bath very often, smells a bit, and is rather dull and uncolorful. These statements about taking a bath and smelling are lies, but the Peacock figures that she should win at all costs, so a few lies in the process won’t hurt.

When the Swan’s turn comes around, a different tactic is taken. The Swan focuses on complementing the audience and the judges. She also picks out a few things that she and the peacock have in common: beaks, feathers, and a long neck. The Swan says that she appreciates the beauty of the Peacock, even though it is in some ways different from her beauty.

Assuming each is of equal external beauty, which candidate is more winsome, thoughtful, and caring towards those around her? The Swan clearly has more inner beauty.

What is interesting about this exchange between Paul and the Jewish leaders in this hearing, is the entirely different approach they each take. The Jewish leaders take a prideful approach in the preceding verses, not really acknowledging the ruler or his long tenure, but jumping right to a technical argument. They lean on their perceived strength, the law and regulations God gave (which they added to). They lie in accusing Paul, misrepresenting his actions, and accusing him of starting riots.

In turn, Paul takes the stand and his opening statements are so much different: 1) He compliments King Felix on his long-tenure and apparently successful reign. 2) He focuses on what he and his accusers have in common: a) they both have belief in God, the law delivered through the prophets, and the desire to worship at the temple, b) they both have the same hope of resurrection of the righteous and the wicked receiving a just judgment in the end. Paul simply refutes their claims about him as false and unprovable, and then helps the judge, King Felix, realize that he is a brother of these men who accuse him.

I find herein an important lesson and example for me of how to handle false accusations: 1) Keep an even head and a cool mind, 2) focus on the facts, not on belittling the people presenting the facts, and 3) show empathy towards your accusers, allowing others to see your human side and that you are gracious.

Lord, help me to show the strength or beauty inside me vs power and beauty on the outside only. May I be humble and empathetic, so that I might reflect your love for all those involved, especially my accusers. Teach me to trust you completely with outcomes, so I may practice humility, love, and grace in the face of false accusations.