“In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away.” These words from Acts 8:33 reveal a powerful yet often overlooked truth about the nature of humility and personal judgment. In a world where asserting oneself is seen as a form of strength, it may seem counterintuitive to embrace humility, especially when facing criticism, conflict, or injustice. Yet, the wisdom of the living God invites us to see things differently.
The idea that humility can impact our judgment may seem strange, but it’s rooted in a deeper understanding of spiritual growth. In our human experience, guilt, anxiety, frustration, and anger often cloud our judgment. However, when we approach these challenges with a humble and quiet mind, something remarkable happens—our inner self is transformed.
The personal judgment we receive from life isn’t merely about external circumstances; it’s a mental and spiritual process. Our faithfulness to the Bible’s guidance, especially under pressure, is what truly defines our experience of alleviation and peace. By humbling our hearts and minds, we open ourselves to the comfort that comes from aligning with its wisdom, transcending the turmoil of our external trials.
The phrase, “In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away,” from Acts 8:33, speaks of the living God’s chief messenger who was wrongfully accused of treason. As Isaiah 53:12 tells us, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” But was he truly a transgressor? In the eyes of the religious leaders, yes. But his “transgression” lay in upholding the spiritual truth of the Bible’s mind over the legalistic traditions of men.
This man’s ministry emphasized the inner transformation that comes from embracing scripture’s commandments within the heart and mind. He taught that true righteousness isn’t found in external rituals but in the renewal of our inner conversation—our thoughts, motives, and intentions. This is why it says, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).
This commitment to inner right-ness (righteousness), rather than outward conformity, made this man a target for those who valued tradition over acquired wisdom. His doctrine of liberation from the philosophy of the religious law for the sake of devotional renewal was seen as rebellious, a direct challenge to the authority of the priesthood.
His journey wasn’t easy. He faced intense opposition from those who clung to their religious laws and traditions. Yet, in his humility, he refused to retaliate. “When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). This submission to the living God’s will, even in the face of injustice, is the ultimate demonstration of spiritual maturity.
The wisdom of this world often contradicts the Bible’s wisdom. Where the world sees strength in self-assertion, the living God sees strength in humility. Where the world values external appearances, the living God values the condition of the heart. “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). By humbling ourselves, we align with higher wisdom and allow the living God’s judgment, not man’s, to guide our lives.
Peter’s counsel to “live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6) is a call to elevate our conversation—the way we think, speak, feel, and act—beyond the superficial. Our lives are not defined by the opinions of others but by our relationship with our recovering mind. The true measure of our character is found in how we manage our inner estate, especially when faced with external pressures.
The example of the living God’s chief minister teaches us that even when judged by human standards, our responsibility is to maintain a good conscience before the living God. No one has the right to strip us of the confidence that the scriptures have placed in our mind. The secret to enduring life’s challenges lies in humility—in refraining from reacting impulsively and instead committing ourselves to higher wisdom.
“In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away.” These words challenge us to reconsider how we view strength and weakness. In a world that glorifies self-assertion, the path of humility may seem counterproductive. Yet, it is through humility that we find true strength and freedom. By submitting to the Bible’s philosophical will and embracing its wisdom, we free ourselves from the burdens of self-righteousness and open our hearts to the peace that surpasses all understanding.
In our journey, let us remember that the ultimate victory isn’t found in winning arguments or proving others wrong, but in aligning ourselves with our devotional purpose. As we humble our hearts, may we find the courage to live according to the mind at the heart of the Bible, trusting that its judgment, not the world’s, will lead us to true peace.