How to defend yourself without looking defensive - Acts 23-24

In an earlier devotional on these two chapters I wrote that Christians are often falsely accused. Christ was - we will be! That should come as no surprise to us. But, when we are falsely accused what should we do? In chapter 24 Paul gives us an example of what to do when you are falsely accused. Paul, becuase God so willed it, takes this opportunity to make claims for the gospel. Paul acknowledges the false accusations for what they are, imaginations of men full of envy, ego and ignorance (the three demons of conflict) and then moves on the core issue: Christ and the rsurrection. He doesn't dwell on the fleshy and personal stuff. He goes for the deeper things: righteousness, self-control and judgment to come (24:25). When we start talking about those three things, others will leave us alone, much less quit arguing and debating. Paul is a human man who had pain and suffering. I think, as I read this passage, however, he was so desirous of telling others of Christ he refused to get into a pitiful and argumentative battle over things less important: His very life. He wanted to live for and "die for" Christ (21:13). When you are accused and feel the need to defend, do so in the name of Christ and forget the rest.