Opening: Ever been challenged to get into something that you knew you would
lose? Maybe into a fight with a bully? Maybe into a game or competition that
had no chance of being fair? Maybe into an argument with someone who cannot,
does not, and never will consider an opposing viewpoint?
Scripture: Read Acts 25:1-22.
Insights:
- Festus succeeded Felix as procurator of Judea in 60 A.D. He quickly went to Jerusalem to “survey” the political landscape, where he ran into the Jewish leaders still fuming over Paul. Why did Festus set the hearing in Caesarea?
1.
It
could be deduced that he saw through the accusations, because instead of
sending for one prisoner to come the Jerusalem, everyone has to go to Caesarea,
thus protecting Paul (see Acts 25:3).
2.
Festus
may not wish to stay in Jerusalem any longer than necessary. The city’s
reputation is one of abstinence and intolerance. In two decades, Rome will have
had enough and put an end it.
3.
Festus
may have wanted to establish his leadership and judgeship in his capital, not
in some backwater city. “See me in all my splendor” may have been his
motivation.
- Paul was in custody in Caesarea for 2 years, occasionally brought out for lively discussion (and maybe some amusement.) He was not in the mood to be handed over to a prejudiced Jewish High Council; he wanted an impartial court, and if he wasn’t going to get it in Caesarea, he would appeal to Rome. As a Roman citizen (see Acts 22:24), it was his right, and it took the matter out of the hands of this new and unknown governor.
- Agrippa was king of an area included Galilee and Peraea, but he knew quite well that he held even that limited realm by grace of the Romans. They had put him there and they could just as easily remove him. It was therefore his custom to pay a courtesy visit to the Roman governor when he entered his province. Bernice was a sister of Drusilla, the wife of Felix, and she was also a sister of Agrippa himself. Festus, knowing that Agrippa had the most intimate knowledge of Jewish faith and practice, proposed to discuss Paul's case with him. But more about that tomorrow!
Life
Questions:
- Paul wanted to go to Rome to preach the Good News (see Romans 1:10), and he knew that his appeal would give him the opportunity. To go to Rome as a prisoner was better than not to go there at all. What goal or dream might you have that involves a less than desirable path?
Prayer
Focus: That we would be willing to do whatever God wants
us to do, no matter the cost.
