Things we can learn from the Romans regarding accusations.
By Ysrael De la Cruz
It is amazing to read Paul’s trial in the book of Acts. He suffered a lot at the hand of the Jews (Pharisees and Sadducees) who wholeheartedly opposed him. In Acts 21, they found Paul at the temple, and they seized him and beat him up. They were about to kill him had it not been for the Romans who intervened and, in a sense, rescued him from their hands.
Acts 21:27-30 Roman commander inquired about who Paul was and what he had done. They wanted to know the real reasons for the accusations they heard from the Jews.
Acts 22 Paul shared his testimony in his defense against the Jews.
Acts 23 The Jews plotted to kill Paul, but he was given a hearing by the Roman authority. The Jews had brought serious charges against Paul, but they were all fabricated. Paul defended himself against their charges because the Romans gave him the opportunity; something he did not get from his own people.
In Acts 25:16 we read about the custom of the Romans when someone was accused. “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. (NIV) They would not judge anyone without first hearing his defense in front of his accusers. (Even our law states that someone is innocent until proven guilty). We can certainly learn a few things from the Romans.
There are some lessons that church folks should learn when it comes to accusing someone of anything.
When you hear rumors or an accusation against a brother in Christ, do you believe it to be true without first hearing his defense? We should learn from the Romans to hear both sides of the story before passing judgement on the alleged accused.
During Paul’s trial, the Romans provided a hearing for Paul for they sought to find out the truth about the charges brought against him. Something church people should learn before judging someone based on false accusation.
The accusers should present their charges before a council, but the accused has the right to defend himself of such charges. This is what took places during Paul’s trial and even Jesus’ trial.
Why is it that in churches, people bring accusations against someone, and some believe it to be true without hearing the person’s defense? Maybe we can learn a few things from the Romans here.
I have had people in church accuse me of doing or not doing certain things and not even once did they bring their accusations for a hearing. They just spread out lies hoping people would just believe them. The sad thing is that some believed them without hearing the other side of the story. I honestly can say I have no respect for people who just believe one side of the story without hearing the other side and do not bother to investigate the truth of the matter. Church folks too can learn from the Romans.
After the Romans examined Paul, they realized he had done nothing deserving death. The accusations were fabricated lies for the purpose of destroying him. However, the Romans did their investigation before determining whether he was guilty or innocent. The Romans considered Paul innocent of the charges he was accused of by the Jews. Acts 26:30-32 30Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (ESV)
We can certainly learn a few things from the Romans.