And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
Acts 23:1-2
You see, men are mostly limited to the natural or physical, they are aware of your wrongdoings, your shortcomings, but ain't privy to your personal relationship with God.
They, or he personally [referring to the above text, high priest Ananias], was aware of some of Paul's activities. For example in Acts 22:19-20 Paul had said,
"And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him."
Paul had just confess to a crime in the previous chapter; only for the same Apostle Paul now declaring before everyone boldly that he has lived in all good conscience before God until this day? Ananias was like, How dare him? So he ordered that he should be rebuke by smiting the mouth he used to make such statement. It's somehow hilarious, why the mouth?...
There is a common saying, "if men were God", imagine the rest.
However, when you realize your errors, be swift to repent like the Apostle Paul, don't live in condemnation, because it won't help in any way. Never, ever allow men's view about your past to deter you from your personal work with God towards your purpose in life.
Always remember this, man isn't going to judge you, God will.
So rejoice, be glad and remain steadfast with all good conscience in your work with the Almighty God, be faithful and be at peace. God bless you!
Jesus is Lord!
Mark Enahoro
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