Caesarea
Paul was formally accused by the Jewish religious leaders through their attorney, (Tertullus) before Felix the governor.

Then the governor nodded for Paul to speak.
  No grounds for accusations…
(NASB) Acts 24:10-16 “…‘Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,
11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 ‘Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot.
13 ‘Nor can they prove to you the charges of  which they now accuse me.”

  Honest and forthright living…
(NASB) Acts 24:14-16 “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;
15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
16 ‘In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.”

What was Paul’s demeanor as he defended himself?  Scripture does not say.  Paul must have been “cool, calm and collected” as he made his defense.  He knew he spoke truth.

What is your demeanor when you defend yourself against personal accusations? Your tone of voice, your body language is “read” by your accuser(s).  At times, silence may be the best line of defense.

As followers of Christ we are to remain calm and quietly use words and tone of voice which please our God.  We are to speak truth and live in an honest and forthright manner.

What pleases our God?
(NIV) Romans 12:1-2 “THEREFORE, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –  his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Honest and forthright living begins by yielding to the living God of the Bible…