Acts 25

Acts 25:1

“Count it all joy when you enter into various trials,” wrote James in the second verse of the first chapter of his Epistle. Truly, Paul was one who had entered “various trials”! His legal ordeal, which had begun on the steps of the Fortress Antonia in Jerusalem, took him to the Sanhedrin and on to Caesarea, where he stood before the Roman Governor, Festus. When Festus took over from Felix, he was about seventy years of age. History tells us he would rule in this province for two years before dying in office. Leaving the seacoast city of Caesarea, Festus went to the capital city of Israel to check on the situation and to introduce himself to the citizenry.

Acts 25:2

The root of bitterness within Paul’s enemies seems to have grown deeper and deeper in the soil of their spirits during his two-year absence. “Nice to meet you, Festus. Glad you’re here,” they said. “Now do us a favor: bring Paul back here to Jerusalem.” Of course, their plan was not for justice. Their plan was to ambush and kill Paul.

Acts 25:4

Perhaps sensing this request was not sincere, Festus smelled trouble. “I’m going back to Caesarea,” said Festus. “If you have that much against Paul, come with me, and I’ll hear your accusations there.”

Acts 25:6

Paul’s enemies traveled sixty miles to argue their case against Paul. But they still couldn’t prove their charges.

Acts 25:8

Once again, Paul acted as his own defense. Pressured by the Jews to try Paul in Jerusalem, Festus gave in and asked Paul for a change of venue.

Acts 25:10

Disgusted with the legal maneuvering and political manipulation of the entire judicial system, Paul was tired of being a political pawn. “I’m not going back to Jerusalem,” he said. “Enough is enough. I have done no wrong.” It was the right of any Roman citizen who felt he was getting an unfair deal judicially to appear before Caesar.

Acts 25:12

“You want to go to Caesar?” said Festus. “Okay. To Caesar you’ll go.”

Acts 25:13

The new governor is now being paid a courtesy call by King Agrippa and Bernice. This is Agrippa II, son of Agrippa I, great-grandson of Herod, the one who tried desperately to destroy Jesus at the time of His birth. His great-uncle was the one who beheaded John the Baptist. His sister was Felix’s wife, Drusilla. And his father, Agrippa I, was the one who ordered the execution of James and imprisoned Peter, hoping to execute himuntil the Lord miraculously released him from prison (Acts 12). Agrippa II was the last of the Herods. With his power greatly diminished, his rule was limited to the northern area of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee. More a figurehead than a potent political player, Agrippa called on Festus in order to strengthen his weakened political ties. Agrippa came with Bernice. Described in literature as being a ravishing beauty, Bernice was Drusilla’s sistermaking her the half sister of Agrippa. Because of this, Agrippa and Bernice were never married, but they lived together. History tells us Bernice would eventually leave Agrippa for Titus, a Roman general who would later lead his armies to destroy Jerusalem and burn the temple. Following a short stay in Rome, however, Bernice would go back to Agrippa II. Bernice was a shady lady and Agrippa was no angel. Thus, many historians say they deserved each other.

Acts 25:14

Festus complained to Agrippa that, after hearing Paul’s case in order to appease the Jews, he could find nothing wrong with Paul.

Acts 25:19

The reason Festus shared this information with Agrippa was because Festus was in a real jam. Festus knew Caesar would think him incompetent for sending Paul to Rome without valid accusation.

Acts 25:22

“Let me hear him,” said Agrippa. “I’ll find a charge you can write on your report to Caesar.”

Acts 25:23

The “place of hearing” was the amphitheatre on the beach at Caesarea. It would have been packed. People would have been dressed up. Soldiers would have been standing guard. Dignitaries would have been in attendance. You see, it was a real “happening” whenever there was an official hearing in this beautiful amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean. TN-reference And here was Paul. In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul described his own appearance as being physically weak. Historians verify that he was a short man with bowed legs, a long hooked nose, little hair, and runny eyes. And yet, here this “little man” commanded the attention of the entire Roman provincial capital of Caesarea. It’s amazing what the Lord can do with a little of anything. Consider Bethlehem: a tiny, insignificant town, but the most well-known village in all of history because Jesus was in it. And where Jesus is, things happen in a big way.

Acts 25:24

“I find this man has done nothing worthy of death,” said Festus, “but since he has appealed to Augustus, I am required to send him.” Octavius, who preceded Julius Caesar, was the first Roman ruler to use the name “Caesar Augustus,” or “august one.” “Augustus” was a title of strength and authority, so every Caesar who followed Octavius chose to use the title “Augustus.” The Augustus spoken of here was Caesar Nero.

Acts 25:26

“My lord” is not a title of honorbut of deity. This is the first time in Scripture we see Caesar deified. Caesar Nero was the first Caesar who claimed to be God. “Help me to find something to write. Help me get A-grippa’ this situation,” pleaded Festus.