Not Doing Wrong Saves You-Acts 25
“I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or the temple or against Caesar.” “I have not done any wrong to the Jews.” “…a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive” (Acts 25:8, 11, 19).
- Why might Festus visit the Jewish leaders so soon after becoming the new governor (Ac 25:1-2, 9)?
- Why did they want Paul transferred to Jerusalem from Caesarea (Ac 25:3)? Why were there so determined to kill him (Ac 25:24; 24:5-6, 9; 23:12-15; 22:21-2; 21:21, 27-29; Jn 16:2)? How did Festus respond (Ac 25:4-6)? Why?
- What did the Jewish leaders accuse Paul of (Ac 25:7-8, 18-19, 24)? How did Paul respond (Ac 25:8, 10-11, 19)? What did Festus propose to Paul and why (Ac 25:9)? Why was Paul not willing (Ac 25:3)? Did Festus know that Paul had done nothing wrong against Rome (Ac 25:10, 18-19, 25)? Why did Paul “appeal to Caesar” (Ac 25:11; 23:11)? Why did Festus not dismiss the charges (Ac 25:12)?
Why did King Agrippa bring his sister Bernice to Caesarea, instead of his wife (Ac 25:13)? Why did Festus consult Agrippa (Ac 25:14, 18-20, 24-27; 26:2-3)?- What is ironic about Paul meeting all the high-ranking and prominent dignified dignitaries (Ac 25:23; 26:29)?
Acts 24-26, the Caesarea section, is a pivotal stage in the progress of Paul the prisoner from Jerusalem to Rome. Paul appears before 2 Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and an appointed “king of the Jews,” Agrippa. The Jews of Jerusalem continue to seek Paul’s demise, as Paul registers a formal appeal to Caesar (Ac 25:10-12, 21; 26:32). Overall, Festus is like Felix, who is compromised as an administrator of Roman justice because of his concern to grant a favor to Paul’s accusers (Ac 24:27; 25:9).
The gracious providence of God is theologically the theme that is implicit, fulfilling his purpose for Paul by protecting him from injustice and making it possible for him to be transported to Rome (Ac 23:11; 1:8; 9:15; 22:15). Paul may appear to be the passive pawn of characters and events outside his control. But, as in the book of Esther, God is the hidden actor who influences all the events on the stage of history, as human beings play their part in the drama that unfolds. Paul is bold because of his confidence in God’s promises.
Power couples:
- Felix and Drusilla (Ac 24:24).
- King Agrippa and Bernice (Ac 25:13, 23; 26:30).
Trial before Festus and Agrippa (25:1-27). 4 generations of Herod.
1. Appearing before Festus (25:1-12). An appealing time with Festus.
- Festus meets Paul’s accusers, the Jewish leaders, in Jerusalem (25:1-5).
- Paul’s defense and appeal before Festus in Caesarea (25:6-12). Paul appeals to Caesar.
2. A royal visit (25:13-27).
- Festus presents Paul’s case to Agrippa (25:13-22). Festus confers/consults Agrippa [and Bernice].
- The Jerusalem trial summarized (25:13-16).
- The Caesarea trial summarized (25:17-22).
Prisoner Paul before all the big shots (25:23-27): Festus initiates the proceedings. Paul comes before the high ranking dignitaries, preparing to make his next defense speech. It’s a 1st century show trial that is part entertainment for the guests and part a subtle political maneuver. [Appearing before Agrippa (25:23-26:32).]
