The “Reason” Isn’t Necessarily the Real Reason
Paul’s Final Defense in Caesarea v 1-23
Rather than being a violent threat to Rome or to Jerusalem, the REAL reason so many Jewish VIPs hate me is because I believe in and proclaim the truth that Jesus really has been resurrected from the dead v1-8
I was a violent threat against Christianity before my conversion v9-18
Now, I am dedicated to sharing Christ (primarily) to Gentiles v19-20
Rather than being a violent threat to Rome or Jerusalem, the REAL reason the riot broke out in the Temple was because I believe in and proclaim the truth the Jesus really has been resurrected from the dead v21-23
Take This To Heart
Human beings (including all the good Christians in this auditorium) can “easily” rationalize selfish/stupid things we do with excuses that really aren’t valid/with reasons that aren’t the REAL reason. Ultimately, if we actually start believing our own excuses, we aren’t just sinning against God and slighting others, we are actually lying to ourselves. Beware: the flipside of a generous lifestyle of “giving” is a stingy lifestyle of “giving excuses.”