Acts 25:13-22

Summary retelling of Acts 25:13-22

               

While Festus is waiting to send Paul to Rome, Herod and his wife, Bernice, come to Caesarea.  Festus introduces the case of Paul to Herod and Bernice.  Festus indicates that the Jews were looking to condemn him but Festus would not pronounce judgment until his trial had been heard.  He also confesses that he didn’t waste any time bringing the case before him.  Festus reports that they had no real criminal charges against him; they only brought religious charges against him.  Festus reports that they seemed to argue over whether or not Jesus was dead or alive and Festus didn’t know how to investigate this point.  Festus tells Herod that Paul chose to go to Rome instead of going to face his charges in Jerusalem.  Herod Agrippa tells Festus that he would like to hear Paul, and Festus promises to arrange such a meeting the following day.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Festus has a moment of brilliance as he is waiting to send Paul away.  King Herod – a Jewish king but also a leader recognized by Rome – entered into Festus’ arena of influence.  Festus begins to talk to Herod in hopes that he might be able to gain some wisdom from Herod, who is far more familiar with dealing with the Jews.  This is a really smart move.  Festus is able to learn from the experience of others.

Why might Festus be concerned about making a mistake?  About how long has Festus been on the job at this point?  Why is being open to the experience of other people really a beneficial thing in our life?

Second Thought:

Festus is also very honest with Herod about how he has handled the case thus far.  Festus did not delay in hearing the case from the Jews.  He did give Paul the option of being tried in Rome or Jerusalem.  He honestly doesn’t have any empirical means for investigating whether Jesus is alive or dead.  He deserves credit for giving an honest trail of evidence to Herod.

Why is it important to be honest and forthcoming in life?  How does this trend seem to differ from his predecessor’s, Felix’s, method of ruling and judging over legal cases?

Third Thought:

There is a sad dynamic about this story.  Festus clearly hears about Jesus.  Festus is clearly presented with religious information.  Yet Festus seems unphased by it.  He seems uninterested.  To Festus, it seemed as though this was purely a legal claim.  How sad it is that like Felix, Festus has the greatest evangelist in his presence and he doesn’t seem to give much of a religious response at all.

Why do you think Festus wasn’t moved?  What is the danger of power, knowledge, and control – especially in the way those things interact with our willingness to learn from other people?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 25:23-27