while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” Acts 25:8

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More literally, it says, “He, making defense, ‘Neither toward the law of the Jews, nor toward the temple, nor toward Caesar, have I sinned anything’” (CG).

The previous verse noted that when the Jews had come down from Jerusalem, they stood about and made many serious complaints against Paul. In response, it now says, “He, making defense.”

Paul states his defense very precisely and without any ruffles or flourishes. If he said more, Luke did not record it. That, however, is unlikely. Luke’s record is usually very precise, and such is probably the case here. Paul simply states his side as a fact. There would be no need to expand his words because the burden of proof rests with his accusers. Therefore, his words say, “Neither toward the law of the Jews, nor toward the temple, nor toward Caesar, have I sinned anything.”

Paul specifically makes his defense against the three main charges, any of which could cause him to be punished. He had not violated the law, desecrated the temple, or offended Caesar. In the words, “not…have I sinned anything,” the English seems clunky, and it is usually paraphrased to get the sense across. However, it would have been a perfectly clear and understandable statement to Festus.

The word he uses is hamartanó. It can refer to an offense against man or God, including sin. It most especially means “to miss the mark.” Paul had stayed on course and not strayed from soundness in any of these areas. He had not offended in any manner that could be considered a violation worthy of trial.

He may have offended the Jews by going to the Gentiles to proclaim the saving message of Jesus, but that would only be something that offended them emotionally. It was not something that could be avoided in normal human interaction. They would have to get over it apart from legal charges.

Life application: In today’s world, there is an attempt to regulate personal offense, as if nobody should be allowed to harm the emotional state of others on even a basic level. The problem with this is that by passing such ridiculous laws, those who are targeted by them are emotionally offended.

It is not possible to avoid offending others because every person experiences life differently. Some enjoy one thing, others another. People can get upset by simply hearing that another doesn’t like to do what someone might find completely enjoyable –

“I just love going to the beach. It is my place of refuge and relaxation.”

“Oh my, I can’t stand the beach! The sand gets everywhere, kids running around are so annoying, and the water is so salty… I just hate the place.”

*And the first person is suddenly offended, going home to cry.

Despite this, people in power want to somehow legislate control over emotional distress. This approach caters to the weakest as if they have an absolute right to never be offended. It is an impossible avenue to follow, and it will only continue to degrade society as the end times approach. Be sure when you vote to not cast a vote for anyone who promises to eliminate such ridiculous things. This is not the purpose of the government.

The Bible does not focus on such petty issues. Rather, it focuses on offenses that are truly harmful to others. As for the emotional state of others, like the Jews in Paul’s time, they must simply grow up and get over their emotional insecurities.

Lord God, help us to be respectful and responsible in our interactions with others. At the same time, help us to understand the fallen nature of the world in which we exist. May we be sound in our thinking about what it means to accept personal responsibility for things that may offend us, but which are not truly offensive. Help us to understand our own limitations and not attempt to impose ourselves unnecessarily on others. Amen.