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Unstoppable! 'Paul Declared Innocent' — Acts 26:30-31 Sunday, December 10, 2023 Then [King Agrippa, the Roman governor Festus], Bernice, and all the others stood and left. As they went out, they talked it over and agreed, "This man hasn't done anything to deserve death or imprisonment." — Acts 26:30-31 NLT Key Thought None of the prominent guests at Agrippa and Festus' hearing with Paul were willing to declare his innocence publicly, but they did declare it off the record: "This man hasn't done anything to deserve death or imprisonment." For Theophilus* — a God-loving Gentile seeker — and others like him, this declaration from the authorities was huge. It was one of multiple indications that Christianity was not a threat to Rome, her power, judiciary, and peace. This declaration from the authorities can be heard alongside Pilate's declaration at Jesus' trial and the centurion's declaration at Jesus' crucifixion: Concerning Jesus, Pilate said, "He is not guilty of any crime" (John 18:38). Then, at the crucifixion, "when the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, 'Surely this man was innocent'" (Luke 23:47). Jesus and his people were pronounced trustworthy and innocent. "The Way" — as Jesus' followers were first called** — should be considered the way to life, peace, and hope. * See our first set of Related Scripture Readings. ** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings. TODAY'S PRAYER Father, I want my life to honor you and your gift of Jesus. I commit to follow the way of Jesus as my way of life. Forgive me for my failings and strengthen my resolve as I pursue the way of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. In his name, I pray. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-4 Acts 2:28, 9:2, 19:8-10, 23, 22:4-5, 24:14, 22