Be Bold in Making Your Defence
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 42 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | January 16 2026 | Acts 22:1-21
KEY VERSE: “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense,” (Acts 22:1, NIV)
MESSAGE:
In Acts 21, Apostle Paul was arrested, and one of the charges against him is recorded in Acts 21:28. With the wisdom the Lord gave his servant through the Holy Spirit, Apostle Paul asked for permission to speak. When that permission was granted, Paul began making a bold defence – stating his case in his own words. In law, there is a principle known as the “right to be heard” (in Latin “Audi Alteram Partem”). This principle of natural justice ensures no one is condemned unheard, allowing the accused to know the charges and to respond appropriately. This principle was used in the trial of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith (see Acts 7). What Apostle Paul said in his defence was a recounting of the events that led to his conversion on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9), and of the assignment the Lord had for him. As a personal witness to what happened to Stephen, Apostle Paul did not doubt that he would end as Stephen did. But he still went ahead to make a bold defence, not only of himself but also of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible admonishes us “to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3 NIV). Therefore, be a bold and fearless defender of what you believe and why you think.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
If you were Apostle Paul in the midst of such a hostile crowd, what would you say in defence? Remember the words of Jesus Christ, which say, “.... when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19-20 NIV). PRAYER:
Father, I thank you that I can rely upon you for what to say in defence of my faith before unbelievers in positions of authority. Give me the boldness I read about your apostles in scripture. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: DEFENCE
The word translated as “defence” derives from the Greek Apologia refers to a reasoned and orderly explanation given in public. It describes a clear verbal account offered to explain one’s actions or beliefs.
In Acts 22, Paul’s defence was not a legal argument alone. It was a testimony shaped by obedience and calling. He spoke about his encounter with Christ and the mission entrusted to him. His words carried conviction because they were grounded in lived experience and truth.
Reflect on this:
Your defence of faith begins with your story of obedience to Christ. When you speak from what God has done in you, your words carry weight and clarity.
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