Lesson 31: Paul’s Trial Before Festus and His Appeal to Caesar (25:1-27)

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study Festus succeeded Felix as Roman Governor of Judea and inherited Paul’s case (25:1-5). About 60 A.D., Felix was removed from office and replaced by Festus (60-62 A.D.). As the new governor, Festus went to Jerusalem to appraise the Jewish capital (25:1). Even after two years (24:27), Jewish leaders were still enraged against Paul (25:2-3). For the time, Festus was not moved, but determined to follow due process (25:4-5).

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study Paul was charged by the Jews before Festus; Paul set forth his complete innocence (25:6-8). Festus sat on “the judgment seat,” where binding decisions were rendered (25:6, 17). Paul defended himself, answering (lit., “speak off”) each of the charges (25:8; cf. 24:10-21).

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study Festus sought to “play politics” & appease the Jews, so Paul appealed unto Caesar (25:9-12). Like Felix (24:27), Festus was “wanting to do the Jews a favor” (25:9). Paul boldly defended his innocence and his right, as a citizen, for justice (25:10-11). Paul boldly appealed to be taken to Caesar and have his case judged there (25:11).

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study King Agrippa came to Caesarea, and Festus laid Paul’s case before him (25:13-22). Agrippa II was the last of the royal Herodian line—the last Jewish king to rule. Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea, probably to welcome Festus (25:13). Festus rehearsed his experience with the Jews in Jerusalem regarding Paul (25:14-16). Festus rehearsed his experience with the Jews in Caesarea regarding Paul (25:17-21).

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study King Agrippa and a festive royal court gathered to see and hear Paul’s case (25:22-27). Agrippa expressed his ongoing desire to hear Paul for himself (25:22). At Paul’s defense, there was a festive & noble assembly, including the king, his sister, Festus made his introductory comments and explanation of the assembly (25:24-27). Paul now had unusual opportunity to preach gospel to this royally magnificent crowd.

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding Christians have a right to use legitimate measures of civil government for their protection! Paul’s appeal to Caesar indicates that proper civil channels may be used by Christians. “Governing authorities” are “God’s minister(s) to you for good” (Rom. 13:4). On other occasions, Paul had used available civil laws for protection (16:37; 22:25-20). Regardless if man thinks Jesus is still dead, the truth remains that He is alive! The foundation of Christianity is that Jesus is “alive forevermore” (Rev. 1:18). The absolute certainty of His resurrection is the very heart of Christianity (1 Cor. 15).

Practical Points of Application for Our Lives III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives Right is right, and doing right is always right, even when others might not like it! Let us never be afraid or weak to stand up for truth and for ourselves in defense of truth! May we have the resolve to never change who we are or what we know to be true!