God’s Sovereignty in Paul’s Trials

Acts 25:1–5 (NASB95) 

1Festus then, having arrived in the province, three days later went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were urging him, 3requesting a concession against Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way). 4Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in custody at Caesarea and that he himself was about to leave shortly. 5“Therefore,” he said, “let the influential men among you go there with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them prosecute him.”

As Festus begins his tenure as governor, the Jewish leaders waste no time in reviving their case against Paul. They approach Festus in Jerusalem, requesting that Paul be brought there for trial, all the while plotting to ambush and kill him along the way. Despite their persistence and hostility, Festus refuses to grant their request, instead insisting that Paul remain in Caesarea, where the trial can proceed under Roman jurisdiction. This moment highlights the relentless opposition Paul faced, but it also reveals God’s sovereignty in protecting him. Even through the decisions of a Roman governor, God ensures that Paul’s life is preserved so that His purposes for Paul’s mission can continue. 

Paul’s experience reminds us that God is always in control, even when we face opposition or injustice. The persistence of the Jewish leaders shows that standing for the truth of the Gospel often invites hostility, but Festus’s decision demonstrates that God can use even secular authorities (even the ones we disagree with or dislike) to accomplish His purposes. As the modern church, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is working behind the scenes to protect and guide us. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, boldly proclaiming the Gospel, and trusting that God’s plans for us cannot be thwarted, no matter the challenges we face.