Acts 25

Devotional by Adam Pemberton

Read Acts 25

Acts 25

Paul Appeals to Caesar

25 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “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. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Devotional

What a great example we see today of boldness in proclaiming Christ in the midst of adversity! In Acts 25, the apostle Paul finds himself standing before the Roman governor, Festus, and King Agrippa, facing false accusations and unjust trials. The main point of this passage revolves around Paul’s unwavering faith in God’s purpose despite the adversity he faces. Throughout the trials, Paul remains steadfast, confidently proclaiming the truth and the message of salvation in Christ.

The narrative raises questions about the nature of faith when confronted with adversity and how believers should respond to false accusations and persecution. Understanding the historical and political context of Paul’s trials provides insight into the challenges faced by early Christians navigating complex legal systems.

Paul’s example should challenge us to cultivate unwavering faith during life’s trials. When confronted with opposition or false accusations, we are called to emulate Paul’s boldness and trust in God’s providence. Let this passage lead you to reflect on your response to injustice and persecution, encouraging you to rely on prayer, proclaim the truth, and trust in God’s ultimate plan for your life.

As you face adversity, may your faith in Christ shine brightly, revealing the transformative power of a steadfast trust in the Lord. Paul’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of injustice, your faith can stand firm, anchored in the unwavering promise of God’s providence and purpose.

How can you reflect the boldness that Paul showed in Acts 25 in your life today?

21 thoughts on “Day Twenty-Five | The Book of Acts”

  2. There was an occasion in my life when I worked as a school principal. This position was extremely difficult at one point in my life because I had a group of violent parents who would just out of spite want to make my job/life difficult for me and my school community. They would meet daily at one of the parent’s houses to make their plan of attack each day. They would take turns calling our district office alleging all kinds of falsehoods: kids being allowed to play outside in the rain, false fire code violations, teachers grabbing students, food being served that had expired, and even alleging which teachers were gay or drug users—-it was a lot of false rumors. They would also contact political leaders. It was all false. One Wednesday night as I went to church service, I saw a group of fellow Christians in a huddle. As I walked up, I was thinking of what I could do to end this suffering these parents were bringing to my campus I walked up to my fellow Christians and said, “I’m having problems with these parents who contact politicians and the school district with falsehoods. Do any of you know any important influential people that could help me?” Everyone listened and tried to help. One very young soul said, “I do! We all said, “Who?” He pointed up as he looked up! Our Lord and Saviour was his reply. At that instance, it was apparent to me about how in the face of adversity, it is so easy to forget that we are royalty! We are chosen by our Lord and Saviour to boldly lead the charge as Christians and elevate his Word. I do not know why or what made these group of parents do what they did. They would go as far to run our good parents off the road at night! It was at this point in my life as a strong believer in Christ that my faith was elevated to a higher level. I was reminded then and there that it is so easy to get caught up in adversity and take your focus off of our Lord and Saviour during times of adversity. But it is at this time that your faith must stand strong, be bold in Christ, and continue the path ahead with your faith and stronghold belief in Christ! Just as Paul was bold throughout his journey, I am reminding us all to remember who we know! He is always working behind the scenes on our behalf. We just need to keep the faith and continue throughout our journey with our faithful actions and deeds! How do I know all the planned meetings that these parents did? One of them contacted me at the end of the school year saying they needed my forgiveness. Circumstances in their life turned and they were having many negative issues in their life and they felt it was because they needed my forgiveness for all the falsehoods they had made up. My reply was, “There is no need for forgiveness from me. Pray to our Lord and Saviour. His forgiveness is what we need in our lifetime! So a reminder to all—- just as Paul was bold and steadfast in his belief during trials and tribulations. When the time comes for you to go through adversity, stand bold and steadfast! Stand your ground as a Christian! Maintain the faith and boldness of Paul!

    1. What a powerful and inspiring story, Elizabeth.
      “it is so easy to forget that we are royalty! We are chosen by our Lord and Saviour to boldly lead the charge as Christians and elevate His Word”

      GOD be praised forever, Amen!

    2. Thank you for this amazing testimony, Elizabeth! It gave a perfect modern day example of persecution and deliverance. May God bless you.

  3. I pray for a boldness like Paul to never back down from my faith in Jesus. To follow Jesus in a way that there is no doubt about who I worship and who is my king and savior.

  4. Remain prayerful and remain faithful in trials. It’s the only sane thing to do while living in an insane world. 🙏🏾❤️

    1. I agree with you Jackie. We should never let anything get in our way to pray and worship our Lord Christ Jesus. HALLELUJAH AND AMEN!!🙏📖🙏⛪

  5. Troubles will not doubt fall on us all
    My troubles seem like mole hills compared to the mountains faced by our past brothers and sisters. We are human and sometimes drown in our own problems not seeing the outstretched arm of our Lord and Savior. We forget that we have the King of all the universe ” keeping watch”.
    Our problems or ills may not have the outcome we desire but we must believe God’s will is being done. Follow in faithfulness

  6. I wonder if while Paul was being falsely accused if he thought about Joseph or Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? I wonder if he drew any comfort in knowing that he was not the first, or would he be the last Believer to be falsely accused.
    Sometimes I can get so wrapped-up in my own little world that I miss God’s plan. Had he not been accused, then Felix, Festus and others in the royal court might not have ever heard the Gospel. Its hard to see it that way when we are in the fire.

  7. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

    That was a great story. Elizabeth. Thanks for taking the time to pass it on.

  9. Lord, may the lyrics to this song strengthen us as we face the trials/challenges in this life
    ————————————

    JESUS DRAW ME EVER NEARER- Sung by Keith & Kristen Getty

    Jesus draw me ever nearer
    As I labour through the storm.
    You have called me to this passage,
    And I’ll follow, though I’m worn.
    May this journey bring a blessing,
    May I rise on wings of faith;
    And at the end of my heart’s testing,
    With Your likeness let me wake.

    Jesus guide me through the tempest;
    Keep my spirit staid and sure.
    When the midnight meets the morning,
    Let me love You even more.

    Let the treasures of the trial
    Form within me as I go –
    And at the end of this long passage,
    Let me leave them at Your throne.

  10. Anything less than Paul’s story almost seems trivial. Still no matter what I face, or how intense the fight becomes, Paul’s example is a reminder to me of this verse “The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those by who seek you, Lord.“ (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭CSB). There is safety in Jesus when we stand against persecution and proclaim truth when it seems truth is the last thing people want to hear. ‬‬

  11. Give me bold faith to face adversity because your provision is sufficient Lord, and your purpose is perfect, in Jesus name.

  12. When there is any kind of troubles in our life, all we need to do is look up to heaven, and know that there is our Lord watching and taking care of us in all the circumstances we faced.
    “Don’t tell how big the mountain
    before us is, but tell the mountain how big our Lord is”

  14. Wow! What a testimony! Just more encouragement to be like a tree planted by the water and be moved. Remember who you belong to and stand on His word.

  16. I’m grateful that Luke was the one who wrote in such detail about Paul and his circumstances and his testimony. We have almost a minute-to-minute account of the events….to inform and inspire us.

  18. How I can stand in the boldness of God is to remember that God is here and that he is active by watching you, because as stated in Exodus 18, we are his treasure.

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