Paul’s Defense before Festus Acts 25:1-27

By way of a summary, the grand Apostle Paul had been held in prison for two years, and really Paul was not guilty!  Festus is the new Governor who succeeded Felix.  In chapter 25, Paul is making an appearance before the new Governor, Festus.  Thus far, we have seen Paul before a great mob on the steps of the castle in Jerusalem, his appearance before the Sanhedrin, and before Felix and then in a private meeting with Felix and his wife Drusilla.  Now Paul will make his appearance before Festus.  Paul is really appearing before some high political figures of the Roman Empire.

When the Lord apprehended Paul on that dramatic Damascus Road, He said: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).  You see, Paul is definitely being moved according to God’s plan and program.

As chapter 25 opens, the Jews were requesting that Paul be brought to Jerusalem for a hearing; however, Festus preferred that Paul’s hearing would be in Caesarea.  God was certainly intervening in this process, for the Jews’ plan was to kill Paul!  God will protect His own! (vv. 1-4).  Paul is given an opportunity to defend himself against the accusations of the Jews.  The Jews presented complaints they could not prove (vv. 5-7).

From verses 8-12, Paul was very shrewd in knowing that he was not going to receive justice from Festus, as he had not received justice from Felix.  Both Felix and Festus were guilty of being rascals and very covetous.  Festus was going to take Paul back to Jerusalem, where he would not be granted an equitable hearing, therefore, Paul appealed to Caesar, exercising his rights as a Roman citizen.  Going back to Jerusalem would have been nothing short of death for Paul.  So, Paul appealed to Caesar!  God is still intervening, and Paul is going to Rome to the court of Caesar!

In verses 13-27, we have King Agrippa and Bernice making a visit to the new Governor Festus.  Festus informs King Agrippa regarding the case the Jews had against Paul.  Festus reveals to King Agrippa that Paul had done nothing deserving of death, and that Paul had appealed to Caesar.  Paul will make a sterling testimony of his Damascus Road experience before King Agrippa in chapter 26.

May God Bless!