The lawyers were a group of men who were well versed in the law of Moses. These men were first known as scribes, or simple men of letters, students of the scriptures. Through the course of time, some of these scribes devoted more time, and themselves, to a study of the law of Moses. They became professional interpreters of the law during the days Jesus walked on this earth. Rather than becoming theologians, they became jurists and were sometimes referred to as doctors of the law, such as Gamaliel (Acts 5:34).

By in large, these lawyers aligned themselves with the Pharisees in rejecting the preaching of John the Immerser (Luke 7:30). Many of them considered themselves above the need of instruction from Jesus. When speaking to Jesus they tried to find means to condemn Him by asking Him questions. In Luke 11:45-52, Jesus denounced them for laying heavy burdens on the people and keeping back from them the key of' knowledge.

The scriptures do not speak of Jesus choosing anyone out of this group to be apostles. This group of men seemed to think they had all the answers and were unfit for the Master's use. We see this type of person still today who thinks they know it all and have no need for God or a Savior!
 

"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (1 Peter 3:16).

The apostle Peter emphasized in this verse the fact that Christians should train their consciences to do the will of God. We should be living an upright life, but even in so doing we need to realize that there will be those who speak evil of us. If we are living a faithful Christian life, others will be able to see how honest and faithful we are in word and deed. Those who accuse us of doing wrong will be seen as false accusers and people will quit believing them. The exhortation of Peter is to be sure our lives are what they ought to be as Christians.

Just because some good work, or Christian, is being evil spoken of, does not give us the right to do wrong. Sometimes our lives, or works, are spoken evil of to teach us patience that through patience we might grow in strength, trusting in God more than ever before. As we look to the early church for examples, we find people who suffered with patience and grew into more godly servants of God. If we have patience we can do more for the eause of Christ than most of us ever dream that we can do.

When we remember the suffering of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it makes what little suffering we go through seem like a trifling thing. When we stand by a brother or a sister who is suffering because their good works, and the fact that they are Christians, are being evil spoken of, we grow stronger together. The bonds of love and faith increase the more we use themt When we study God's word and train our conscience in His word, then we will have a good conscience and manner of life. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and gloriJ~ your Father which is in heaven." Are you standing fast in the faith and have a good conscience trained in the word of God?

copyright 2002. All rights reserved by author.

Back to Bulletin Index