Where Was the Proof Against Paul?
Act 25:7-8 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Question: Why didn't the Jews just read Paul's letter's for proof? I thought his letters taught against the law? Perhaps they didn't know Paul wrote letters ;)
But wait, Paul said he did not do anything against the law...which would also include this verse:
Deut. 12:32 "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.
So, if Paul did not add to or take away from the Law of God, then how did he teach against it?
Acts 24:13-14 Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;
Did Paul say that he believed everything written in the Law and Prophets, and that is why they can not prove the charges against him?
Wow, they were just relentless, in their accusing of Paul teaching against the Law of God.
Acts 21:20-21 And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.
Oh dear, Paul is being accused again. But they must be right in their accusations. Didn't Paul circumcise Timothy in Acts 16 so that they could deliver to the Jews the Acts 15 decree that supposedly abolishes circumcision? Because Paul circumcised Timothy to deliever the circumcizing abolishing decree, right? Wait...does that make sense? Uh oh...that must be why James gives instructions to Paul to prove that Paul did keep the law. James was also present in Acts 15.
Acts 21:23-24 Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law.
Oh my...James not only says that the accusations against Paul teaching against the Law of Moses is false, but James says that walking according to that law is orderly. Do you walk orderly according to James?