SCRIPTURE: ACTS 25
Bible Verses:
“When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them. Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar” (Acts 25:7-8)
“ Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:10-11)
THE TRIAL BEFORE FESTUS (vs. 1-12)
The chief priests and the Jewish leaders requested Festus to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. But Paul used his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. However, before Paul could be sent to Caesar, Festus needed to have charges against him.
FESTUS CONSULTS KING AGRIPPA (vs. 13-22)
A few days later, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay respect to Festus. Festus discussed Paul’s case with him and told him that Paul had appealed to Caesar. Then, Agrippa told Festus: “I would like to hear this man myself” (v. 22)
PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA (vs. 23-27)
The next day, Festus brought Paul to Agrippa and told him that he had no real accusation against him and he needed to write the charges against Paul before he could be sent to Caesar.
THOUGHT:
While Paul was in prison, it did not stop him from making the most of his situation. He had an audience with Felix, Festus and Agrippa to present the Good News. Rather than complain about our present situation, let us look for ways to use every opportunity to serve God and share the gospel with others.
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