Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 25

Acts of the Apostles 25.1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Acts of the Apostles 25.2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, Acts of the Apostles 25.3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. Acts of the Apostles 25.4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Acts of the Apostles 25.5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. Acts of the Apostles 25.6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. Acts of the Apostles 25.7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. Acts of the Apostles 25.8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. Acts of the Apostles 25.9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Acts of the Apostles 25.10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. Acts of the Apostles 25.11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Acts of the Apostles 25.12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. Acts of the Apostles 25.13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. Acts of the Apostles 25.14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: Acts of the Apostles 25.15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. Acts of the Apostles 25.16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. Acts of the Apostles 25.17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Acts of the Apostles 25.18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: Acts of the Apostles 25.19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. Acts of the Apostles 25.20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. Acts of the Apostles 25.21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Acts of the Apostles 25.22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. Acts of the Apostles 25.23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. Acts of the Apostles 25.24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. Acts of the Apostles 25.25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Acts of the Apostles 25.26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. Acts of the Apostles 25.27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 25

Divine Providence in Paul's Trial Chapter 25 of the book of Acts plunges us into the heart of the trial of the apostle Paul, now under the jurisdiction of Governor Festus. This captivating passage illustrates the determination of the Jewish accusers, Festus's proposal to hold a trial in Jerusalem, and Paul's crucial decision to appeal to Caesar. Through these events, we discover profound themes such as divine and human justice, sovereign providence, and the strategic use of legal rights to spread the gospel. This chapter sets the stage for Paul's witness in Rome, a pivotal step in the history of the Church.

Five Enlightening Bible Passages

We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that shed light on the central themes of this foundational chapter.

Philippians 1:12-13

"I want you to know, brothers, that what happened to me has served to further the gospel. As a result, it has become clear to the entire palace guard and to everyone else that I am in prison for Christ."

Paul reflects here on how his imprisonment, mentioned in Acts 25, contributed to the spread of the gospel. His testimony even touched the members of the imperial guard.

2 Timothy 4:16-17

"At my first defense, no one came to my aid; everyone deserted me. Let this not be held against them. But the Lord was at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message was fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles heard it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth."

In this passage, Paul discusses his defense, likely alluding to the events of Acts 25, and emphasizes the divine support that guided his ministry.

Romans 15:30-31

"I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle, praying to God on my behalf. Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry in Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints."

Paul here requests prayers for his safety in Judea, recalling the circumstances described in Acts 25, and emphasizing the importance of prayer in his ministry.

1 Peter 3:15-16

"Rather, sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you. But Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

This verse reflects Paul's attitude in his defense before Festus and Agrippa in Acts 25, highlighting the importance of gentleness and respect in our witness.

Matthew 10:18-20

"For my sake you will be brought before governors and kings, as witnesses for them and for the Gentiles. But when you arrest them, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time it will be given to you what to say, for it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father will speak through you."

Jesus predicts situations similar to Paul's in Acts 25, promising divine guidance in times of challenge.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to recognize God's hand in our lives, even in times of trial, and to affirm our faith with courage and conviction.