Read Acts 25
Gary Hawkins
Acts 25 is about Paul’s trial before Porcius Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea, and the Jewish religious leaders who accused him. Festus also consults King (of several territories including parts of Judaea /Galilee) Agrippa II and his “queen” sister Bernice (incest abounds in this fiercely loyal couple to Rome so as to keep power) and Paul also testifies before them. These events occurred at approximately 59 A.D in Jerusalem and Caesarea Maritima.
Paul is on trial for his life after serving two years in prison for something he did not do. The Jewish leaders bring serious but false charges against Paul that they cannot prove or even agree upon. Paul confidently rests on his integrity and the evidence. Festus can see Paul is innocent but wants to be a positive representative of Rome and have favor with the Jews. He asks if Paul will agree to continue the trial in Jerusalem. But Paul as a Roman citizen appeals his case to Caesar based upon Jesus’ guidance in Acts 23 and previous plots by the Jews to kill him during transport.
Circumstances of life, pleasant or otherwise, place us in just the right places with the right audiences so we can testify about God’s greatness and love. It isn’t good or possible to avoid trials and tribulations. These are beneficial to us: our maturation in faith and trust, the Holy Spirit speaking and working, and Jesus manifesting and revealing Himself. We don’t want to miss that and Christ’s ever-expanding Kingdom. Acts 25 also teaches that when we are falsely accused, we should turn the other cheek, leave the defense and revenge to God, and obey Jesus. It also shows that the world isn’t always fair and that we can’t always rely on human authorities to do the right thing. These authorities were focused on posturing, pleasure, and continued rule, not justice or righteousness. However, Jesus will make everything right in the end, and no one will receive an unfair trial when they stand before Him.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, send me. Where in my life do I need to testify about Your eternal life and faithful love? Is there anything I’m trying to avoid but shouldn’t? Show me when to fight, flee, or stay put but bend. What do You want me to know or do right now based on this scripture?
