Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Cesarea to Jerusalem.
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar, have I offended any thing at all.
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Then said Paul, I stand at Cesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cesar.
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cesar? unto Cesar shalt thou go.
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cesarea to salute Festus.
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar.
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth.
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Acts 25 unfolds with political maneuvering, religious tensions, and divine providence, all centered around the Apostle Paul. Still under house arrest in Caesarea Maritima, Paul's fate hangs in the balance as a new governor, Festus, arrives on the scene. This chapter reveals God's continued protection over Paul and sets the stage for his journey to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's purpose.
Festus Inherits a Problem (Acts 25:1-5)
Fresh from Rome, Governor Porcius Festus arrives in Caesarea and quickly travels to Jerusalem, likely seeking to establish positive relations with the Jewish leaders. However, they immediately seize the opportunity to request that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial. Their true motive, hidden beneath a veneer of legal concern, is to assassinate Paul during the journey, a plot reminiscent of their earlier failed attempt (Acts 23:12-15).
Festus, unaware of their deadly intentions, declines their request. Instead, he invites them to return to Caesarea and present their accusations against Paul there. This seemingly procedural decision is, in reality, God's providential intervention, shielding Paul from the Sanhedrin's murderous scheme. As Tony Evans aptly puts it, "No matter how grim your circumstances appear, do not forget the glorious truth that God is in control, whether directly or indirectly."
False Accusations and a Bold Appeal (Acts 25:6-12)
Back in Caesarea, the Jewish leaders level serious, yet unsubstantiated, charges against Paul. Paul, as he had done before, vehemently denies these accusations, asserting his innocence before both Jewish law and Roman authority (Acts 25:8). Festus, recognizing the lack of evidence but also seeking to maintain favor with the Jewish community, proposes a compromise: would Paul be willing to stand trial in Jerusalem?
Paul, having endured two years of unjust imprisonment and recognizing the deadly intentions lurking beneath the surface, refuses. He declares, "I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well" (Acts 25:10). Then, in a move that dramatically alters the course of events, Paul appeals to Caesar.
As a Roman citizen, Paul has the right to appeal to the highest court in the land. Festus, bound by Roman law, has no choice but to grant his request. This appeal not only removes Paul from the clutches of the Sanhedrin but also sets the stage for his journey to Rome, a long-held desire and a crucial step in fulfilling his mission to preach the Gospel in the heart of the empire. Paul's appeal wasn't merely a legal tactic; it was a strategic move to bring the message of Jesus to the center of earthly power.
Festus Seeks Counsel from Agrippa (Acts 25:13-22)
With Paul's appeal to Caesar, Festus faces a new dilemma. He must send Paul to Rome, but he has no clear charges to present. In a stroke of fortune, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice arrive in Caesarea to pay their respects. Agrippa, the last of the Herodian dynasty, possessed a deep understanding of Jewish customs and beliefs. Festus sees an opportunity and seeks Agrippa's counsel, hoping he can shed light on the nature of the accusations against Paul.
Festus recounts the events leading up to Paul's appeal, confessing his confusion over the religious nature of the dispute. He admits, "I was wondering whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding these matters" (Acts 25:20). Agrippa, intrigued by the situation, expresses his desire to hear Paul himself. This sets the stage for Paul's powerful defense in the following chapter.
A King's Curiosity (Acts 25:23-27)
The next day, Paul is brought before a distinguished audience: Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, military tribunes, and prominent citizens of the city. Festus reiterates his predicament, explaining that he finds no grounds for a formal accusation against Paul but must send him to Caesar. He hopes that Agrippa's insights will help him formulate a coherent case to present to the emperor. Festus was understandably embarrassed to send a prisoner to Caesar without indicating the charges against him (Acts 25:27).
This scene highlights the absurdity of Paul's situation. He is a prisoner, yet no one can articulate a legitimate reason for his imprisonment. Yet, God uses this seemingly chaotic situation to bring Paul before influential figures, setting the stage for him to proclaim the Gospel to a king.
Acts 25 underscores the sovereignty of God in the midst of human intrigue and political maneuvering. Despite the plots of his enemies and the confusion of Roman officials, God orchestrates events to protect Paul and advance his mission. The chapter serves as a reminder that even when circumstances seem uncertain, God is working behind the scenes to accomplish his purposes. Just as God was working to take Paul far from their grasp—to stand before Caesar, He is working in your life as well. Submit to his kingdom agenda in Scripture and trust him to accomplish his will for your life as he sovereignly directs your path.
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Cesarea to Jerusalem.
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar, have I offended any thing at all.
But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Then said Paul, I stand at Cesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cesar.
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cesar? unto Cesar shalt thou go.
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cesarea to salute Festus.
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar.
Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth.
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Acts 25 unfolds with political maneuvering, religious tensions, and divine providence, all centered around the Apostle Paul. Still under house arrest in Caesarea Maritima, Paul's fate hangs in the balance as a new governor, Festus, arrives on the scene. This chapter reveals God's continued protection over Paul and sets the stage for his journey to Rome, fulfilling the Lord's purpose.
Festus Inherits a Problem (Acts 25:1-5)
Fresh from Rome, Governor Porcius Festus arrives in Caesarea and quickly travels to Jerusalem, likely seeking to establish positive relations with the Jewish leaders. However, they immediately seize the opportunity to request that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for trial. Their true motive, hidden beneath a veneer of legal concern, is to assassinate Paul during the journey, a plot reminiscent of their earlier failed attempt (Acts 23:12-15).
Festus, unaware of their deadly intentions, declines their request. Instead, he invites them to return to Caesarea and present their accusations against Paul there. This seemingly procedural decision is, in reality, God's providential intervention, shielding Paul from the Sanhedrin's murderous scheme. As Tony Evans aptly puts it, "No matter how grim your circumstances appear, do not forget the glorious truth that God is in control, whether directly or indirectly."
False Accusations and a Bold Appeal (Acts 25:6-12)
Back in Caesarea, the Jewish leaders level serious, yet unsubstantiated, charges against Paul. Paul, as he had done before, vehemently denies these accusations, asserting his innocence before both Jewish law and Roman authority (Acts 25:8). Festus, recognizing the lack of evidence but also seeking to maintain favor with the Jewish community, proposes a compromise: would Paul be willing to stand trial in Jerusalem?
Paul, having endured two years of unjust imprisonment and recognizing the deadly intentions lurking beneath the surface, refuses. He declares, "I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well" (Acts 25:10). Then, in a move that dramatically alters the course of events, Paul appeals to Caesar.
As a Roman citizen, Paul has the right to appeal to the highest court in the land. Festus, bound by Roman law, has no choice but to grant his request. This appeal not only removes Paul from the clutches of the Sanhedrin but also sets the stage for his journey to Rome, a long-held desire and a crucial step in fulfilling his mission to preach the Gospel in the heart of the empire. Paul's appeal wasn't merely a legal tactic; it was a strategic move to bring the message of Jesus to the center of earthly power.
Festus Seeks Counsel from Agrippa (Acts 25:13-22)
With Paul's appeal to Caesar, Festus faces a new dilemma. He must send Paul to Rome, but he has no clear charges to present. In a stroke of fortune, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice arrive in Caesarea to pay their respects. Agrippa, the last of the Herodian dynasty, possessed a deep understanding of Jewish customs and beliefs. Festus sees an opportunity and seeks Agrippa's counsel, hoping he can shed light on the nature of the accusations against Paul.
Festus recounts the events leading up to Paul's appeal, confessing his confusion over the religious nature of the dispute. He admits, "I was wondering whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding these matters" (Acts 25:20). Agrippa, intrigued by the situation, expresses his desire to hear Paul himself. This sets the stage for Paul's powerful defense in the following chapter.
A King's Curiosity (Acts 25:23-27)
The next day, Paul is brought before a distinguished audience: Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, military tribunes, and prominent citizens of the city. Festus reiterates his predicament, explaining that he finds no grounds for a formal accusation against Paul but must send him to Caesar. He hopes that Agrippa's insights will help him formulate a coherent case to present to the emperor. Festus was understandably embarrassed to send a prisoner to Caesar without indicating the charges against him (Acts 25:27).
This scene highlights the absurdity of Paul's situation. He is a prisoner, yet no one can articulate a legitimate reason for his imprisonment. Yet, God uses this seemingly chaotic situation to bring Paul before influential figures, setting the stage for him to proclaim the Gospel to a king.
Acts 25 underscores the sovereignty of God in the midst of human intrigue and political maneuvering. Despite the plots of his enemies and the confusion of Roman officials, God orchestrates events to protect Paul and advance his mission. The chapter serves as a reminder that even when circumstances seem uncertain, God is working behind the scenes to accomplish his purposes. Just as God was working to take Paul far from their grasp—to stand before Caesar, He is working in your life as well. Submit to his kingdom agenda in Scripture and trust him to accomplish his will for your life as he sovereignly directs your path.