“When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed.” —Acts 25:18
While the gospel is good news, it’s also a sword that slices and divides.
In Acts 25, Paul is imprisoned and on trial. But no one can quite figure out what his crimes are. Verses 18–19 help us see through the hoopla—Paul’s crime was nothing more than declaring the gospel. By preaching that Christ sets us free from the law of sin and death, he upset the apple cart of those who saw themselves as gatekeepers of human law.
In every era and culture, the gospel continues to divide. Until Christ returns, there will always be those who seek to contain it and come against those who declare the good news.
Ultimately, Paul’s message was not stopped by those who threw him into prison. The jury isn’t out on whether the gospel will prevail.
As we declare the gospel, let’s remember that it’s a sword and repeat the resolve of Paul: “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).
Make it Personal
What has declaring the gospel cost you? Why do you think Christ’s message is so divisive?