Acts 25:1-12

Summary retelling of Acts 25:1-12

               

After two years of being in jail under Felix, a new governor – Festus – is appointed.  Three days after Festus arrives in Jerusalem, the chief priests are already talking to him about Paul.  They have a plot to kill Paul, so they ask Paul to be brought to Jerusalem.  Festus wisely indicates that he is going to Caesarea and since Paul is already there that they can meet with him in Caesarea instead.  When Festus goes to Caesarea, he orders Paul to be brought and to defend himself.  Paul does, but he senses that Festus is looking to do a favor for the Jews since he is new in power in the region.  Thus, when asked if he wants to go to Jerusalem, Paul opts instead to be tried in the court of Caesar in Rome.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Festus is not on the scene more than a few days before the Jews bring up Paul.  They are still furious about what Paul had been teaching and they still want him to die.  In fact, their anger is still so great that they continue to scheme against Paul.  Grudges die hard.

Why do we as human beings have trouble letting go of grudges?  Why do we let things become grudges in the first place?

Second Thought:

Festus seeks to do a favor for the Jews.  This is an indication of corruption.  Granted, I am sure that Festus understands that Jerusalem is notoriously one of the hardest places to govern – so he’s looking to start off on the right foot.  But ultimately, he is seeking to do people a favor so he can earn credit with them.  There isn’t any sense of righteousness or justice here.  Festus’ actions in dealing with Paul are all about politics and not about justice.

Why do politics creep their way into everything?

Third Thought:

Paul appeals to Caesar.  Paul can read the writing on the wall.  Festus isn’t interested in justice – only in gaining favor among the Jews.  If this is the case, then Paul needs to go somewhere that he can get a fair trial.  So he appeals to Rome.  Thus God’s Word is fulfilled and Paul will become God’s messenger before even the highest Gentile leader in the land: Caesar.

Do you think Paul was right in appealing to Caesar?  Why would you justify or condemn Paul’s choice to go Rome?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 25:13-22