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Lesson 31 : Paul’s Trial Before Festus and His Appeal to Caesar (25:1-27). I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study. Festus succeeded Felix as Roman Governor of Judea and inherited Paul’s case (25:1-5).
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Lesson 31:Paul’s Trial Before Festus and His Appeal to Caesar (25:1-27)
I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Festus succeeded Felix as Roman Governor of Judea and inherited Paul’s case (25:1-5). • About 60 A.D., Felix was removed from office and replaced by Festus (60-62 A.D.). • As the new governor, Festus went to Jerusalem to appraise the Jewish capital (25:1). • Even after two years (24:27), Jewish leaders were still enraged against Paul (25:2-3). • For the time, Festus was not moved, but determined to follow due process (25:4-5).
I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Paul was charged by the Jews before Festus; Paul set forth his complete innocence (25:6-8). • Festus sat on “the judgment seat,” where binding decisions were rendered (25:6, 17). • Paul defended himself, answering (lit., “speak off”) each of the charges (25:8; cf. 24:10-21).
I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Festus sought to “play politics” & appease the Jews, so Paul appealed unto Caesar (25:9-12). • Like Felix (24:27), Festus was “wanting to do the Jews a favor” (25:9). • Paul boldly defended his innocence and his right, as a citizen, for justice (25:10-11). • Paul boldly appealed to be taken to Caesar and have his case judged there (25:11).
I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • King Agrippa came to Caesarea, and Festus laid Paul’s case before him (25:13-22). • Agrippa II was the last of the royal Herodian line—the last Jewish king to rule. • Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea, probably to welcome Festus (25:13). • Festus rehearsed his experience with the Jews in Jerusalem regarding Paul (25:14-16). • Festus rehearsed his experience with the Jews in Caesarea regarding Paul (25:17-21).
I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • King Agrippa and a festive royal court gathered to see and hear Paul’s case (25:22-27). • Agrippa expressed his ongoing desire to hear Paul for himself (25:22). • At Paul’s defense, there was a festive & noble assembly, including the king, his sister, • Festus made his introductory comments and explanation of the assembly (25:24-27). • Paul now had unusual opportunity to preach gospel to this royally magnificent crowd.
II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • Christians have a right to use legitimate measures of civil government for their protection! • Paul’s appeal to Caesar indicates that proper civil channels may be used by Christians. • “Governing authorities” are “God’s minister(s) to you for good” (Rom. 13:4). • On other occasions, Paul had used available civil laws for protection (16:37; 22:25-20). • Regardless if man thinks Jesus is still dead, the truth remains that He is alive! • The foundation of Christianity is that Jesus is “alive forevermore” (Rev. 1:18). • The absolute certainty of His resurrection is the very heart of Christianity (1 Cor. 15).
III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives • Right is right, and doing right is always right, even when others might not like it! • Let us never be afraid or weak to stand up for truth and for ourselves in defense of truth! • May we have the resolve to never change who we are or what we know to be true!
