Paul was attacked and beaten by a Jewish mob in Jerusalem.  A Roman commander intervened and rescued him.  Then Paul asked permission to speak to those who wanted to kill him.

Permission was granted and Paul told his story about how the Lord Jesus had met him.  Then, when Paul got to the point of his story where Jesus said he would go to the Gentiles to tell the good news of Jesus as Savior, the crowd became a clamorous mob once again, wanting his death.  (Acts 21:30-32; 22:22)

The Roman commander took Paul to the barracks to be “examined” by scourging.  As “they stretched him out with thongs” Paul asked a question.  “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”  (Acts 22:24-25)

This got the full attention of the Romans!  Paul was born a Roman; the commander had paid a large sum of money to become a Roman.  (Acts 22:27-28)

The commander was fair and he used the order of law to proceed with this case.  He was not swayed or coerced by the Jewish mob or the religious leaders.  He ordered a fair trial.

(NASB) Acts 22:30 “But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Council to assemble, and brought Paul down and set him before them.”

  Many times, when believers in Jesus Christ are on trial, they do not receive a fair trial.  They stand condemned before they enter the courtroom.  How are we, as followers of Christ, to respond in such a situation?

Pray for your accusers to hear the message of Jesus.

First, trust the living God for His purposes and plans to be carried out.  He has used those without faith in Jesus Christ to fulfill His will many times in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
(NIV) Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Second, the most important decision you make is obedience to God’s will for you. Your hope and future is in God!
(NASB) Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

Third, be alert to how God wants to use you during and after the trial.
(NASB) Romans 12:14, 21 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
21 ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Fourth, pray for your accusers to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
(NIV) Colossians 4:2-3 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.’  4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”