Truth is enough

Acts 23:6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”

Admiral Heihachiro Togo, whose brilliant tactics had destroyed the Russian fleet at the battle of the Sea of Japan in 1905, visited the United States shortly after the Russo-Japanese War. At a state dinner in Admiral Togo's honor, William Jennings Bryan was asked to propose a toast. Because Bryan was well known for not drinking, it was feared that an embarrassing breakdown of protocol was about to occur.

But as Bryan stood to propose his toast, he held up his glass and said, "Admiral Togo has won a great victory on water, and I will therefore toast him in water. When Admiral Togo wins a victory on champagne I will toast him in champagne."

     Apostle Paul had a cool head on his shoulder. He was tactful enough to use the truth for the right reason and even escape from any dangerous situation. The Jewish leader were all prepared to get Paul off the track. But Paul was smart enough to use the truth of resurrection to bring a division between Pharisees and Sadducees. The moment he said I am on trial because of my belief in resurrection, the Pharisees sided with him and Sadducees started arguing with pharisees. (because Sadducees do not believe in resurrection of the dead. )

Paul did not lie to bring a division but was smart enough to know the truth and use it at the right time. We don’t have to cunning to escape from situations. But knowing the truth and using it at the right time is enough. We actually don’t have to lie to come out of situations. Truth is enough.    

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com