"Then Paul looking earnestly at the council said, 'Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day'. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall. For you to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?' And those who stood by said, 'Do you revile God's high priest?" Acts 23:1-4 NKJV
Paul had been arrested for his faith but, as he was a Roman citizen by birth, had caused a panic and was therefore on His way to Rome to answer this. Here he is before Ananias, who was trying to get more information from him. Ananias considered Paul's reference to having a good conscience before God, to be blasphemy and ordered that he be slapped on the mouth. This provoked Paul to call him a 'Whitewashed wall.' This was quite a strange comment to make and if used today, would make people think the person was insane. Actually though, Paul was using this term because, as a high priest, it was not the thing to do and demonstrated that he didn't live up to his calling.
The term whitewashed wall can be interpreted as, something that looks clean on the outside but, is actually dirty on the inside. In other words it was hypocrisy, False teachers could be classed with this term, as could people who profess to be a Christian to people, but when alone, are far from this. Satan uses such people to spread unrest and deceit to God's people. He is intent on breaking up churches and causing mayhem wherever he can. He uses this counterfeit to spread lies and fear whenever possible.
It is imperative that we look after our own Christian testimony. To live two lives - one for Jesus and one for ourselves is not the way forward. Jesus demands all of us, nothing short of that. What is more, He knows us through and through. Therefore, if there is any hypocrisy or false ways within us, He will bring it to our attention. We are not perfect, He knows this. However, we can come close and what is more, he will help us to do this.
Have you ever spoken to someone about what they shouldn't be doing and suddenly realised that you are guilty of the same thing? If this is so, the Holy Spirit is flagging up an area that needs some attention. Nip it in the bud, with prayer before it spreads like wildfire. And then let people see in you - Jesus, your friend and Saviour.
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard
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