Click here for Acts 25 audio:
Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
When Festus arrived, the Jewish leaders quickly tried to pressure him into transferring Paul to Jerusalem—hoping to ambush and kill him on the way (vv. 1–3). But Festus insisted the trial be held in Caesarea, unknowingly protecting Paul (vv. 4–5). Once again, the Jews brought serious accusations that they couldn’t prove, and Paul firmly defended himself: he had not broken the law of the Jews, profaned the temple, or rebelled against Caesar (vv. 7–8). When Festus, trying to please the Jews, suggested another hearing in Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar—exercising his right as a Roman citizen (vv. 9–11). This bold move ensured his safety and set the course for his journey to Rome, just as the Lord had promised (23:11).
Soon after, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice visited Festus, who explained Paul’s situation and admitted that the charges were purely religious—centered on “a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive” (vv. 18–19). Agrippa agreed to hear Paul himself (vv. 22–23). As the royal pair entered the hall with great pomp, surrounded by Roman officials and city leaders, Paul was brought in—not as a defeated prisoner, but as a faithful witness for Christ. Festus admitted his dilemma: he had “nothing definite to write” about Paul’s charges to Caesar (vv. 26–27). What man saw as confusion, God was using for His sovereign purpose—to bring the gospel to the highest courts of Rome.
🌀 Reflection:
Even when falsely accused or misunderstood, God’s purpose still stands. How can you, like Paul, trust that your trials may become divine opportunities to witness for Jesus (v. 11; cf. 23:11)?
💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for an “occasion for testimony” this week (Luke 21:13). Use your circumstances—good or bad—as a platform to speak about the risen Jesus (v. 19).
Click here to return to the contents page for NT260 | Phase 2.1.
Just Keith Harris 
1 Comment