Tag: Acts 25
Patient endurance!
Scripture reading for June 9: Acts 25
“When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 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?” 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. 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.”” Acts 25:7-12
Luke records Paul’s two years in prison in Caesarea awaiting justice from false charges by his own countrymen. When Felix took over from Festus, the case against Paul was again argued by the Jews. They were set on seeing Paul eliminated and brought serious charges that they could not prove. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, took to his own defense in a calm and reasoned manner. Festus, a politician, wanted to please the Jews. He offered Paul the opportunity to stand trial in Jerusalem. But Paul knew of their murderous plot to kill him and as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar for justice.
But Paul also had the leading of the Lord Jesus Who had promised before that he would testify in Rome. (Acts 23:11) As Paul had patiently waited, over two years went by and he had many opportunities to share the Gospel with the Roman authorities and soldiers keeping him. He was allowed visits with his fellow church members. Sometimes God’s promises must await His perfect timing. Like Paul, we must work while we wait! We are not to live in fear of death or depression over our current circumstances.
Have you ever received a promise from the Lord and then had circumstances that defied its fulfilment? How did Paul keep a good attitude while imprisoned for over two years? What world view did both Festus and Felix hold that God used Paul to work on?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sustaining Your people through difficult times by giving vision and understanding of Your plans. Thank You for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to patiently endure and faithfully obey Your plan to share the Good News with all! Open my eyes to those I am to witness to today. Amen.
Religious bigotry!
Scripture reading for June 8th: Acts 25
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 25:1-3 “Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where the chief priest and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.”
Paul was imprisoned without facing trial for two years by Felix because he failed to give him a bribe! Felix kept him in jail to appease the Jews as well. Then a new governor took over and upon visiting Jerusalem, these same religious leaders again requested a “favor” of the governor. They asked that Paul come to Jerusalem for a trial. Their underlying plan was to kill Paul as he was traveling there because they knew they did not have a case! It is interesting how wicked the “religious” can be to get what they want. But God has His plans that will not be thwarted!
Observations for over-comers: Believers must realize that religion and politics are tools of the devil to bring fear and worry on God’s people. But God is in control, even though His timing is not always ours! “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and those who pursue me.” Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love.” (Psalms 31:14-16)
Religious disputes!
Scripture reading for June 9th: Acts 25
Politics and religion are ways of the world that men use to gain control over others. It was no different in Paul’s day. After he had spent two years in jail as a result of a politician, the Roman governor Felix, a new leader took his place. Felix kept Paul, looking for a bribe. Now as the new governor, Festus, visited Jerusalem he was confronted by the Jews concerning the prisoner Paul. They felt he should die because of their original charges and Festus offered them opportunity to again make their case.
Festus convened the hearing in Caesarea. “When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.” Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” (Acts 25:7-9) Paul stated that he was willing to die if he had done anything worthy of death, but as a Roman citizen, he appealed to Caesar. Festus declared that that was where he would be sent!
Festus was visited by King Agrippa and his wife. Festus shared Paul’s case with the king and discussed the lack of clear charges with him. “When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” (Acts 25:18-19) In the midst of political and religious disputes, God was at work through Paul sharing the good news with all!