- Paul was always ready to give a defense of His faith in Jesus.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (AMPC) - 15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. 16 [And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear (unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior in Christ may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives].
- Paul was falsely accused of stirring up riots and defiling the Temple, but his conscience was entirely clear. He knew that those accusations were completely false and he could stand before the people as a bold witness for Christ as a result.
- Paul lived a life above reproach, a life of integrity and good character, that no one could justly accuse or criticize.
- Living a life above reproach is a requirement for leaders in the church, and should be the goal of all Christians.
1 Timothy 3:2 (NLT) - So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.
- Living a life “above reproach” is not about perfection, but about living our lives in a way that honors Christ and gives us a place of influence to speak to others about Him.