What is Your Messy Middle? | Acts 24:1-25:12
This message was preached at Sherwood Community Friends Church on February 11, 2024. You can watch the video in full by clicking below.
The middle is where most of us live, isn’t it? I was reminded of this recently when I heard Lysa Terkuerst speak at a writer’s conference a few weeks ago in Florida. Terkuerst, who has been in the public eye for some time as the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and has written over 20 books and Bible studies, has been through her own gamut of struggles, which she writes openly about, especially in some of her most recent writings.
She was married to a man for 29 years, whom she left in the last few years due to repeated infidelity. How could she go through this experience, which I imagine seemed to be unending, while writing books and sharing about her experiences while in the middle of going through this?
She pointed out to us, a room full of writers and creators, that the “middle” is often the place where most of us live. We don’t usually find ourselves in the conclusion or the beginning of a situation, but rather right in the middle going through it.
That’s why our passage of scripture today is so important. If you have your Bibles, go ahead and open it to Acts 24. It comes from the middle of this drama building with Paul. He continues to be held without cause, yet not released from imprisonment to be able to continue his missionary work from town to town.
In this story of Paul’s “middle,” we will name our own middles we are living in as well as name attacks from the enemy, defend ourselves against those attacks, & declare the truth of God over our lives.
Attacks from the Enemy
Five days later Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said, “We enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation because of your foresight. We acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude. But, so that I will not burden you any further, I request that you would be kind enough to give us a brief hearing. For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to desecrate the temple, and so we apprehended him. By examining him yourself you will be able to discern the truth about these charges we are bringing against him.”
The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were true.
Tertullus seems well-poised, proficient, and precise in his accusations. He used flattery to puff up Felix, who was hearing this case. He had his entourage of Jews with him to support his accusations. Witnesses were a necessary part of the Jewish customs. This is why it’s one of the 10 Commandments - Do not bear false witness. Yet these Jews were breaking that commandment because they had an agenda.
When the attacks from the enemy come, often they are polished and logical. They are easy to believe because they sound so accurate and true. They make sense in our heads.
“If I could just {fill in the blank}, then my life would be amazing.”
“If I don’t forgive {so and so}, I have power and protection.”
“Why does everyone else have it together, yet I’m a mess?”
“God doesn’t want to hear from me after I’ve walked so far from him.”
“I am entitled to my stuff, my rights, and my happiness.”
“I must not be a good Christian because I don’t seem to hear God’s voice.”
“Sure I believe in God, but I’m the one who has to make things happen.”
“I am unlovable.”
And often, these attacks don’t come alone. Just like Tertullus and Annanias showed up with the other Jews, they brought their entourage. Attacks and lies come with their minions of fear, despondency, hatred, jealousy, envy, greed, division, lust and so on. This is because the enemy is not strong enough to stand on their own. They need to travel in packs, like wolves looking to devour.
Later in Paul’s ministry, when he writes to us about putting on the armor of God, he knows what he’s talking about!
A Defense
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Now it’s Paul’s turn. How many of you know that Paul knew the Lord of Armies was his backing?
When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. They didn’t find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, ‘Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”
Paul was swift in his affirmation of Felix’s role in this saga, but he didn’t puff him up. He is respectful, just as we ought to be. (v10)
Jesus in the face of opposition
Colossians 4:6 - “Seasoned with salt”
Paul points out that he is beyond reproach and their accusations are without merit.
He provides a timeline (v11)
Beyond any guilt (v12-13)
He emphasizes his adherence to The Way (v14-17)
Lack of qualified witnesses (v18-19)
The issue they have with Paul: The declaration of the resurrection of the dead (v20-21)
He makes a case for his defense. Who else in the Bible stood trial yet was innocent?
Jesus was innocent of every charge brought to him. Yet, when charged, Jesus gave no defense on his behalf.
Many look at the example of Jesus, to be silent as the gold standard. Is this how we are to respond when the accuser comes for us?
Was Paul wrong?
I don’t think that one is more right over the other. There are times for silence and there are times for defense. It’s more about the outcome for God’s glory in each situation we are faced with. If Jesus had defended himself, would it have led to his release? Would the prophecies have been falsified? Yet, if Paul would have remained silent, we might not have received the rest of this story, which offers valuable insights for us.
The Middle
Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs.
Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I’ll call for you.” At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money. So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.
After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.
Paul stated his case well. Felix was aware of the Way and even gave Paul some freedoms, including allowing his friends to meet some of his needs. But no decision was made. And Paul was left imprisoned.
But what happens next?
Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I’ll call for you.”
Paul was brought back to share more of Christ Jesus with Felix, the governer of the land! Paul was given access to audiences he might not have otherwise been in front of. Not only did he have an audience with Felix and share the kingdom of God with him, he came in contact with Roman soldiers, workers in Felix’s home, and even other prisoners I’m sure. Paul took the opportunity in this messy middle to minister to the people who were in his immediate circle for the sake of the Gospel.
What is your messy middle place that you are living in?
Do you find yourself in a medical crisis right now, causing you to spend your time in too many doctor visits? You get frustrated because you see your illness as an obstacle to living in freedom. But the freedom may be ministering to the nurses, doctors, and other patients that come across your path.
Do you find yourself in vocational work that leaves you little time for “ministry-type” relationships? Maybe your mission field is sitting at the other desks in your office. Your ministry may be building relationships with those you do life with day in and day out, and becoming known as the one who prays for them.
Do you find yourself with little day-to-day interaction with hardly anyone outside of your home? Maybe you are a stay-at-home caretaker, retired, or work remotely. First, I encourage you to make space to minister to those in your home, taking time to pray with them and encourage them in their faith. But also, take advantage of those times you go to the grocery store or coffee shop. Seek out people to pray for or encourage. Strike up conversations with your neighbors and build relationships that way. Find ways to bring the kingdom of God into the conversation.
I couldn’t help but think of another Bible hero who was imprisoned unjustly for two years. We just read about him in our Bible reading plan in January. Does anyone remember who that was?
Joseph. He was imprisoned falsely, also because of a lie. But he did with his imprisonment all he could do. Demonstrating leadership despite hardship, even interpreting dreams for fellow prisoners when they were troubled. And when the cupbearer forgot about him, he continued to go about his day-to-day business as best as he could in accordance with his faith and obedience to God. And what does God do with the injustice after injustice that Joseph faced? This very long messy middle? When he finally reveals himself to his brothers for the first time since they sold him into slavery 20 years later, he says this:
“I am Joseph, your brother,’ he said, ‘the one you sold into Egypt. And now don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land for these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.’”
Wow. The attacks against Joseph put him in slavery and then in prison. But he recognized that God was doing something throughout all of these attacks. Romans 8:28 says:
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
God might call you to a specific mission field, like he did with David and Tricia. In the meantime, you are called to a mission field today. The one you find yourself in the middle of. The messy one. Like Joseph, you might feel like this is an unfair mission field you are stuck in. Like Paul, it will take many visits and conversations and, yes, difficulties. You may not ever see the fruit of those conversations either. Felix’s greed in wanting a bribe kept him bringing Paul back to him over and over again. And over and over again, Paul preached the kingdom of God to him.
This was Paul’s world for two years until Felix handed off his governorship to Porcius Festus, and also handed off Paul’s imprisonment. This move by Felix must have stung Paul. Not only did he not see him come to faith in Christ. But it was a custom at that time that Felix could have released Paul. But he opted instead to cater to his accusers. And we find Paul still in the hard place of the middle.
Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. The chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed, 3asking for a favor against Paul, that Festus summon him to Jerusalem. They were, in fact, preparing an ambush along the road to kill him. Festus, however, answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly. “Therefore,” he said, “let those of you who have authority go down with me and accuse him, if he has done anything wrong.” When he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, seated at the tribunal, he commanded Paul to be brought in. When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges that they were not able to prove.
Again, the Jews brought serious allegations, again, none of which they were able to prove. In fact, they hated him so much, they were looking to murder him.
Festus doesn’t play into their games though. He’s just looking to deal with this leftover matter from Felix. He informs the Jews that anyone who would like to go down to Caesarea, he will hear the case against Paul then. Phew! Paul’s safe for now!
Then Paul made his defense: “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned in any way.” But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there on these charges?”
10Paul replied, “I am standing at Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you yourself know very well. 11If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
Then after Festus conferred with his council, he replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go.”
Festus, like his predecessor, was interested in his healthy politically-driven relationship with the Jews. But Paul stands his ground.
Paul wasn’t looking to escape death if he was deserving of death, but he knew the accusations were false, and he stated so. He has done nothing deserving of death, and he knew that Festus knew that too. So, he makes his appeal to the higher court.
Stand in Truth
Paul was comfortable standing his ground in the light of the attacks he faced, not only from the Roman government and the Jews, but even to the churches he planted.
Corinthians myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Now, even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you.
We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others; but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, 16so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else's sphere of action. 17“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.
Paul operated from a personal conviction and transformation from his encounter with the Son of God on that Damascus road. There was no attack from Rome, Jew, Church, or Thought that would sway him from the mission of preaching the kingdom of God to unreached territories, multiplying disciples and churches.
Likewise, when the enemy attacks you, you can be assured that his attacks cannot stand. And, with scripture and for the ultimate glory of God, you can declare what God says about your identity and your calling and your actions and your mission so that you can combat the lies of the enemy.
When you think your life would be better with more, you speak Matthew 6:25 & 26 over it, that God will meet all of your needs just as he meets the needs of the sparrows.
When you want to live in bitterness, you opt for forgiveness, choosing for the ministry of reconciliation Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.
When pride starts creeping in and you think you can do it all yourself, you remind yourself that Jesus asks each of us to take up our cross to follow his way, as in Matthew 16:24
When you hear lies that you are unlovable, you remind yourself of John 3:16, that God loved the whole world, including you, that he sent Jesus for you.
And when you question your level of closeness with God, feeling like his voice is absent, you remind yourself that in John 15, by Jesus himself you are called his friend if you follow his ways.
Those in medical situations that keep you in numerous doctor visits.
Those working full-time outside of your home.
Those who are home care takers, retired, or working remotely.
Those who didn’t haven’t yet stood.
