Finally beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
In these final chapters of Acts Paul spends a tremendous amount of time and energy defending himself and defending the Gospel. Look at his defense. Paul doesn't really try to argue with the Sadducees and Pharisees. He doesn't try to convert them. He calmly and shrewdly witnesses to God's activity in his own life. He witnesses to meeting the Risen Christ, and to the transformation that occurred because of that meeting. He witnesses to what he has seen the Holy Spirit do among the Gentiles.
It reminds me a bit of the advice he gave his friends in Philippi. The best
way to spread the Gospel - the best way to convince others that Jesus
Christ makes a difference - is to show the difference Christ has made in
your own life, in your family, and in our world. Focus on the amazing work
of God, wherever you find it, and however it manifests itself.
Let others see Christ in you and in your life. This is the lesson for the
church from the greatest evangelist that ever lived - a lesson we must take to heart.
