Acts 25
February 28, 2011
6 Comments
Bible Passage: Acts 25
After reading about the exciting events of Paul’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd Missionary journeys, the last chapter and next few chapters seem to be pretty uneventful.
We last read that Felix left Paul in prison for 2 years. Now, Festus has taken over but nothing much seems to have changed. The accusers of Paul tried once again to have Paul handed over to them…. and because their accusations were all based on lies, nothing could be done!
After reflecting on this chapter again, I recalled the words of Paul in Acts 9:15…
“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel….”
Paul had certainly been a vessel of God before the Gentiles and children of Israel… to now we see that he is about to speak to King Agrippa and Bernice…
It brings to mind that God keeps His promises.
But in keeping His promises … it is sometimes (or very often) not through a single event alone or through one person alone. God kept His promise, in this case, of Paul’s ministry through a whole series of events and people.
Since his conversion at the road to Damascus, God has been actively in action to bring about Paul’s final journey and testimony in Rome.
- God knew that because of the love of Paul for his people, Paul would go to Jerusalem – even though him being there would result in him being in bonds and afflictions.
- God used the opposition of the Jewish leaders to give Paul the opportunity to be heard in Caesar’s court and hence, subsequently to be able to get to Rome
- God arranged for Claudius Lysias first to first pay careful attention to Paul’s rights as a Roman citizen to have the chance to get to Rome. Paul was then handled by the self-seeking Felix and now the inexperienced and indecisive Festus.
But whatever case it was, Paul was continuously provided a platform to speak, without opposition from the Jews, and before the leading men of Rome who were in Caesarea. He was able to proclaim his faith freely and his audience continues to grow and grow … and now he was to have a chance to speak to before a king and his entourage! The Gospel could be declared to a wider audience!
What Paul went through says a lot to me. God has given us His precious promises too. But sometimes we wonder if any of these promise are ever going to be fulfilled. And we wonder how? When? Why so long? But just like in the case of Paul, God will accomplish His promises in ways we could never have imagined.
What I am trying to say is this….
Very often the work that we want to do for God and His promises to us can appear to be daunting, frustrating and seemed doomed for failure…. especially when we feel so limited and powerless in front of the situation before us.
But just like in the case of Paul… so the several years in Caesarea, it must be terribly frustrating for him. But all the past events were guided by God’s hand in order to give him the opportunity to proclaim the gospel to people he would have never encountered in the normal course of events.
Paul did not plan these events. He did not orchestrate any of it.
God was at work here.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Rom 8:28
And God will also work in us and with us.
And I believe Him cause I am standing on His promises …. 
It strikes me when blogger has comment that
“Paul did not plan these events. He did not orchestrate any of it.
God was at work here.”
That reminded me of the story of 3 trees spoken during Youth Sprirtual Meeting sermon. This story illustrate how 3 young trees aspiring to be someone great when they grow up. The 1st tree wanted to be built into a great treasure chest adorn with gems and golds. The second Tree wanted to be built into a great ship fit for kings to travel in. And the 3rd tree wanted to grow up strong and tall so that he can point to heavens.
Sadly, all the 3 trees have been harveted. The 1st tree was built into an animal feed box. The 2nd tree was built into a small fising boat. And the 3rd tree was left in the storage. All their dreams or plans are shattered.
After a longtime, the animal feedbox was taken out to be cleaned and converted to a baby carriage. and in it carries the world precious treasure. And when that bady grow up, He used the small fishing boat to preach to multitudes. The young man spoke with authority of a King. And the 3rd tree was there with Him when He was crucified. Bearing testimony of God’s salvation to all mankind.
What I learnt from this story is that although things may not goes as we plan or we maybe feel frustrated over many failures. God’s always has a wonderful plan for each of us. As God has guided Paul and makes him a great vessel for saving souls, He will likewise turn us “unseemingly little vessel” into great vessel for His usage, just as long as we are willing to submit to His will. God’s way is the best way.
I search google on the character of Festus and found this website: http://www.biblewise.com/archives/2010/august/overview/bible_characters.htm
I wonder how much of it is accurate?
And what is a Sanhedrin? i.e. “Festus asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to face his accusers. The Sanhedrin would be a more appropriate venue than a Roman court”
Thanks
Hi all,
Do you guys know of any good/accurate website for bible character study? I want to know more of Felix and Festus.
Thanks.
http://ia.tjc.org/elibrary/ContentDetail.aspx?ItemID=12275
Here at TJC e-library, you might find the Bible study notes on the Book of Acts useful. You can even click into the PDF book version on the Book of Acts. I think it’s enough to understand the motives of these two characters and the deeds they carried out.
Thanks apple!
Acts 25:10-11 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgement seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
What was Paul’s feeling when he spoke these words? Wretched and heart-broken at the stubborness of his countrymen, his brothers.
Determined also as he recalled the word of Lord Jesus, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” (Acts 23:11)
Acts 25:25 and 27 “But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him….For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charge against him.”
These words of Festus were shamelessly spoken in front of Paul (Acts 25:23).
Why did Festus delay in sending Paul to Rome after Acts 25:12? Simply bec he couldn’t find any charge against Paul.
Seemed like it was the work of God that Paul was going to Rome.
Then was it also the work of God that Festus delayed?
May be so that Paul could hear personally from the mouth of Festus that he found him committed nothing deserving of death.
Then Paul knew and endured all hardships for Lord Jesus, all for the only true and living God.
What have we endured for Lord Jesus?