“However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect…” – Acts 24:14
The apostle Paul had the opportunity to defend the gospel on several occasions before kings and rulers, and we must all endeavour to emulate this attitude. The Bible says we should set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts and be ready to answer everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (1 Peter 3:15).
However, in his defence before Tertullus in Acts 24, Paul describes himself as “a follower of the Way.” This phrase runs through the book of Acts, including Acts 9:2, Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23 and Acts 24:14.
“But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.”(Acts 19:9)
Indeed, even before the early Church was nicknamed “Christians” in Acts 11, they were known as “the people of the Way” (Acts 9:2).
“…if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2)
Now this is an apt description of our walk with the Lord. We must all be followers of the way of Christ, because it is the only way of salvation. The Bible says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).
Jesus boldly declares that He is “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
That is a bold and audacious statement that asserts the uniqueness of our faith. Beloved, no matter how people may perceive you, my prayer for you is that the Lord will continually lead you and keep you on this path, because it is the right way (Psalm 107:7).
“And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place.” (Psalm 107:7)
I challenge you today to be a follower of the way of the Lord, because it will lead you to the right destination.
– Rev. Simon Ampofo
