INTRODUCTION
Lying is not just something that people do when they are little boys getting into the cookie jar. We sometimes naively assume that greater responsibility means that there must be greater levels of integrity. But it is often the case that the higher up you go—whether in civil or ecclesiastical government—the greater the incentives and pressures to give way to deceit. The cookie jar is much bigger, and deception rises to an art form.
THE TEXT
“And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes . . .” (Acts 24:1–27).
SUMMARY OF THE TEXT
Five days later, Ananias the high priest came down with the elders along with a spokesman named Tertullus (v. 1). Called upon, Tertullus began to attack Paul, beginning with flattering Felix (vv. 2-3). Not to be tedious, please bear with me (v. 4). They have found Paul a perfect pest, a seditious fellow among Jews worldwide, and a ringleader of the Nazarenes (v. 5). He even profaned the Temple, and the Jews were dealing with it according to Jewish law (v. 6), but were rudely interrupted by that violent soldier Claudius Lysias. (v. 7). Lysias commanded us to come here, which is why we are bothering you now (v. 8). Check it out, it is all documented. The Jews with him agreed with all of this (v. 9). Paul was given permission to speak, and began graciously but not with unctuous flattery (v. 10). Paul retraced his steps—twelve days before he had gone to Jerusalem to worship (p. 11). He was found in the Temple, being disruptive in no way (v. 12). Paul then adds a crucial element—they cannot prove their accusations (v. 13). But he did acknowledge part of what they said. He follows the Way, what they consider sectarian, but he worships God according to the law and prophets (v. 14). And he has the same hope that they do, which is that there will be a resurrection of the dead, of the just and unjust both (v. 15). Paul had labored to keep his conscience clear—both Godward and toward man (v. 16). After years gone, he had brought alms and offerings to his nation (v. 17). Certain Jews from Asia were his initial accusers, and they jumped him in the Temple, and by the way, why aren’t they here? (vv. 18-19). The men standing here can only testify to what they saw, and the worst they could say is that Paul cried out in the Sanhedrin that he believed in the resurrection (vv. 20-21). Felix knew about Christianity and put them all off until Lysias was able to come down (v. 22). A centurion was given responsibility for Paul, not chained up, with his friends able to come and go (v. 23). After a while, when his wife Drusilla was there, he gave Paul an audience to present the gospel of Christ to them (v. 24). As Paul reasoned about righteousness, temperance and coming judgment, Felix was rattled and dismissed him (v. 25). Showing his continued carnality, he was hoping for a bribe, and would talk with Paul with that hope in mind (v. 26). After two years of this, Felix was replaced by Festus (v. 27). Felix left Paul a prisoner for political reasons.
EVIDENCE AND LIES
Notice that Paul insists upon biblical standards of justice and evidence. He says that his accusers cannot independently confirm what they are saying (v. 13). He says that certain key witnesses are missing (vv. 18-19), meaning they cannot be cross-examined. He simply assumes that the accusers have the burden of proof—Paul doesn’t have to prove that he didn’t do it. “Innocent until proven guilty” is a biblical standard.
The reason liars need to “free themselves” from the biblical standards of evidence is that they need the additional room to maneuver. Liars need to be creative, and facts tie them down. Facts are too confining.
LIARS AND THE LAKE OF FIRE
Lying is no trifle. It is one of those things that clearly identify a misbegotten paternity. The devil is the father of lies. When the devil speaks lies, he is a native speaker. The devil has no truth in him (John 8:44). Those who speak lies are betraying their spiritual ancestry. Look, he “has his father’s lies.” “Ye are of your father the devil.”
Lying belongs to the old way of life. Put it off. “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds” (Col. 3:9). When tempted to continue to cover up those lies, remember to fear God. All liars will have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8).
You are members of one of the most lied-about churches in the country. Your pastor, if the Internet is to be believed, is in similar straits. But our response to this must not be bitterness or a spirit of complaining. Servants are not greater than masters, and they lied about Jesus too. Our response must be to cultivate a spirit of hatred toward every form of ungodly deceit in our own lives. “Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). But it is never safe to begin by hating the false ways of others.
DECEPTION AN ACT OF WAR
Bearing false witness against your neighbor is an act of violence against the public good. Perjury is forbidden for this reason (Ex. 20:16). Depending on the stakes, such perjury could even be a capital offense (Dt. 19:16-21). Lying is a declaration of war. Remember—one another (Col. 3:9), against your neighbor (Ex. 20:16).
This explains why it is not a problem to deceive the enemy in time of war. It is an act of war. Think of the Hebrew midwives (Ex. 1:19-20), or Rahab the harlot (Josh. 2:4-5), or David escaping from Achish, king of Gath (1 Sam. 21:13). It is striking that David celebrates this escape with Psalm 34, which includes a blessing for those who keep their “lips from speaking guile” (v. 13). So those of you who are fastidious in all the wrong ways and places should see yourselves clear to lying to the Gestapo about the Jews in your attic. Lying to your boss about your expense account is a different thing altogether.
CHRIST OUR TRUTH
Grace and truth come through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). We are saved through the word of the truth of the gospel (Col. 1:5). Jesus tells us plainly that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). If He is the way, then truth and life are characteristics of that road. Are you walking on that road? We serve an honest Christ, and this can only be done faithfully by honest Christians.