June 19

I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. — Acts 23:1

Conscience may lead us to do wrong. Paul acted conscientiously even when he was persecuting Christians. Conscience needs divine instruction.

No doubt Paul had a right as a Christian to protest against the way the high priest smote him in the face. Still, we cannot help feeling that Christ’s bearing on His trial was nobler, and sets us a better example than Paul’s.

He, when reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed all to Him who judgeth righteously.

Paul’s apologizing is an example we may follow safely if ever we are betrayed into hot–tempered speech or act. It is always noble in a man to say, “I did wrong,” or “I was mistaken,” when he has given way to any unchristian feeling. Some people are too proud ever to apologize.

Again we see Christ here as an encourager. Paul had had a depressing day. Then Jesus came to him with cheer, assuring him that he should see Rome – a dream of many years.