Paul’s Case Before the King
Acts 25:13–22 (NASB95)
13Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. 14While they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix; 15and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16“I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17“So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought before me. 18“When the accusers stood up, they began bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting, 19but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20“Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21“But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
As King Agrippa and Bernice visit Festus in Caesarea, Festus takes the opportunity to discuss Paul’s case with them. Festus explains that Paul’s accusers have brought charges against him, but these accusations are not criminal in nature; instead, they center on theological disagreements, particularly about Jesus and His resurrection. Festus admits that he is perplexed by the case and seeks Agrippa’s insight, given his familiarity with Jewish customs and religion. This moment highlights the political and cultural complexities surrounding Paul’s trial. While Festus is obligated to send Paul to Caesar due to his appeal, he struggles to articulate a clear charge against him. This interaction underscores the tension between human politics and God’s divine plan, as God uses these circumstances to bring Paul closer to fulfilling his mission of testifying in Rome.
Paul’s situation reminds us that God’s purposes often unfold through unexpected and even challenging circumstances. Like Paul, we may find ourselves misunderstood or caught in situations beyond our control, but we can trust that God is working behind the scenes to accomplish His will. This passage also challenges us to be faithful witnesses, even when the world does not fully understand or accept the message of Jesus. As Christians today, let us remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, trusting that God will use every situation—no matter how complex or difficult—for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.