Living in Preparation for the Last Moment (Acts 24:10-16)

Scripture: Acts 24:10-16

Today’s Word

10 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.

11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 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.

13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,

15 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.

16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

(Acts 24:10-16, NIV)

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Defense: A logical explanation of one’s position to clear accusations
• Stirring up: Inciting people to cause disturbance or riot
• Sect: A religious group considered to deviate from orthodox teachings
• Resurrection: The act of rising from the dead to life again
• Conscience: The inner moral compass that distinguishes right from wrong

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “You can easily verify” (v.11)
2. “I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect” (v.14)
3. “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man” (v.16)

Main Points of the Text

1. Defending with the Power of Truth – Paul did not exaggerate. His acknowledgment of Felix was based on facts. He stated that he had been in Jerusalem only twelve days and that investigation would show he had not caused any disturbance. While his accusers could not provide evidence, Paul spoke the truth.
2. Testifying of Jesus When Life is at Stake – Paul had always testified about Jesus everywhere, but this time was special. His very life hung in the balance. With his heart pounding and his mind racing, Paul began to tell the story of Jesus. He shared the gospel as if this might be his last chance.
3. Keeping Conscience Through Resurrection Hope – Paul said he shared the same hope as the Jews: that both the righteous and the wicked would be resurrected. Then he said, “So I strive…” He maintained a clear conscience because he believed in the resurrection. This is a life lived today while thinking of the last moment.

Applying to My Life

1. Imagine Your Last Moment – If the final moment of your life were to come, who would you want to speak to and what would you say? To your children? To your spouse? To your parents? When you think about what your last words would be, you discover what your true priorities are. Money and possessions? Or faith and God’s love?
2. Write Your Will in Advance – Preparing for the last moment is not morbid but wise. By writing your will in advance, you can confirm what values you truly want to pass on. “Trust in Jesus. Jesus is your strength. God is good. God is trustworthy. Jesus loves you.” This should be our final message.
3. Design Today Backwards from the End – Imagine and prepare for the last moment of this life, then work backwards from there to set today’s direction. If you believe in resurrection, if you know you will one day stand before God, the priorities of what you should do today will change. You will live a life that puts first things first, doing what must be done.

Think About It

1. If today were the last day of my life, who would I want to speak to and what would I say? Does that content reflect my true priorities in life?
2. What am I living for right now? Are the values I’m pursuing meaningful even from an eternal perspective?
3. When I think about resurrection and the day I will stand before God, what do I need to change today?