Standing for Truth with Courage

Baptist Daily Devotional
Sep 26
3 min read

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 26 2025 | Acts 16:25-40

KEY VERSE: “But Paul said to the officers: 'They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.'” Acts 16:37. (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Roman law prohibited Roman citizens from being treated as Paul and Silas had been in Philippi. Citizens were to be afforded the rights of due process, and certainly, they were not to be beaten, jailed, or placed in stocks without a trial and conviction for a serious crime. Paul used his Roman citizenship and his legal rights under the law to protect his ministry to the Gentiles, later appealing to Caesar when Jewish authorities were seeking to have him killed. After being beaten and imprisoned unjustly, Paul now refuses a quiet dismissal. Instead, he confronts the magistrates, demanding public accountability. Paul was not seeking revenge but protecting the integrity of the gospel and the church in Philippi. Sometimes, courage requires standing up for the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

Today’s devotion presents important lessons for us. 1. Go’s people must stand for justice. Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, and their rights had been violated. By confronting the magistrates, Paul was not acting in pride but ensuring that the new believers would not be treated as criminals by association. Christians are called to uphold justice and truth, even when it comes at personal cost (Micah 6:8). 2. Courage protects the witness of the gospel. If Paul had slipped away quietly, the church in Philippi might have been branded as a sect of lawbreakers. By demanding a public acknowledgement of their innocence, Paul safeguarded the credibility of the gospel message. True courage is not about self-promotion but about protecting God’s mission and people. 3. God’s power humbles earthly authorities. The magistrates who once ordered Paul’s beating were now fearful and apologetic. This reversal highlights the fragility of earthly power in comparison to God’s authority. When God’s people stand in truth and integrity, even rulers are compelled to respect the work of God (Proverbs 21:1).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Courage is not about defending ourselves but about upholding God’s truth. When we stand boldly for justice and integrity, we protect the gospel’s witness and honour Jesus Christ in a world of compromise.

PRAYER:

Dear God, grant me the courage of Paul, to stand boldly for truth and justice without fear. Help me to seek not my own reputation but the honour of Your gospel. May my life and witness reflect integrity, and may Your power humble every opposition that rises against Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 269 Isaiah 43–45 — Israel’s Only Saviour

DAILY word study: PUBLICLY The word publicly in Acts 16:37 is translated from the Greek dēmosia, which means “in the open, before all.”

Paul emphasised that their beating and imprisonment were done in full view of the people. By demanding a public acknowledgement of their innocence, he highlighted that truth and justice should be visible, not hidden.

Reflect on this:

How can your witness for Christ remain open and consistent before others, even when it is uncomfortable?