Acts 25 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

Acts 25 Devotional: Witness Paul’s trial before Festus and his bold appeal to Caesar. Explore how God’s providence uses earthly authorities and legal systems to advance the mission of the Church.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to Acts Chapter 25. For two years, Paul has been held in custody, caught between political maneuvering and religious hatred. Today, a new governor, Festus, takes the seat of power, and the pressure to silence Paul intensifies. As we read, let us observe how a servant of God maintains his integrity and focus when surrounded by those who seek his harm.

Acts Chapter 25 Introduction:

The Appeal to the Highest Court

In Acts 25, the scene shifts from Felix to his successor, Festus. The religious leaders in Jerusalem waste no time, immediately petitioning the new governor to bring Paul to Jerusalem—not for a fair trial, but for an ambush. Sensing the danger and the shifting political tides, Paul stands on his rights as a Roman citizen and utters the words that would change the course of his life: "I appeal to Caesar!" This move forces the hand of the Roman government and sets the stage for Paul to bear witness in Rome, just as the Lord had promised.

What can we learn from this today? This chapter highlights the Sovereignty of God over human history and politics. As your Statement of Faith affirms, God is the sovereign Lord of all things. We see that even when Paul is "stuck" in prison or facing corrupt officials, God is the one directing the narrative. Paul doesn't rely on his own cleverness to escape; he relies on the truth and the legal protections provided to him to fulfill his mission. It reminds us that the Church’s mission—to proclaim the Gospel—cannot be stopped by chains or courtrooms. Whether before a local governor or the Emperor himself, the goal remains the same: to testify to the grace of God found in Jesus Christ.

Bible Verse - Acts 25

Paul’s Trial Before Festus

25 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

6 After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.

8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”

10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Festus Consults King Agrippa

13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.

16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

Paul Before Agrippa

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

Prayer

Paul stood before the judgment seat of Festus with a clear conscience. As we enter into prayer, let us approach the throne of grace with the same boldness, knowing our High Priest intercedes for us.

Prayer Theme: "Trusting the Sovereign Hand"

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You today as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We believe that Your Word is the final authority for our lives and that Your hand is over every ruler and authority on this earth. Thank You for the example of Paul, who remained steadfast in his mission even when justice seemed delayed.

Lord, I ask for the wisdom and courage to represent You well in the world. When I face opposition or find myself in situations that seem unfair, remind me that You are still on Your throne. Help me to use every opportunity—whether in times of peace or times of trial—to point others toward the truth of the Gospel. I pray for a spirit of discernment, that I might know when to stand firm and how to speak with grace and truth. Thank You that my life is not in the hands of fate, but in the hands of a loving and sovereign God.

We pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are currently facing legal persecution or imprisonment for their faith. Grant them the same resolve You gave to Paul, and may their testimony bear fruit even in the darkest cells. We lift up our government leaders, asking that You would guide them to act with justice and mercy. We pray for the universal Church, that we would be a people who trust Your providence more than we fear the world's power, always ready to proclaim the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Amen.

Daily Application Question

Paul appealed to Caesar to ensure his mission continued. Is there a "right" or a resource God has given you—such as your education, your career, or your platform—that You can more intentionally use for the advancement of the Gospel?

Frequently Asked Questions about Acts 25

Why did Paul appeal to Caesar? As a Roman citizen, Paul had the right to have his case heard by the Emperor. He knew that the religious leaders in Jerusalem intended to kill him, and an appeal to Rome was the sovereign way God provided for Paul to fulfill his call to preach in Rome (Acts 23:11).
Who were Festus and Agrippa? Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator of Judea. Herod Agrippa II was the last of the Herodian kings, who ruled over parts of northern Palestine. Agrippa was familiar with Jewish customs, which is why Festus sought his advice on Paul's case.
What does this chapter teach about a Christian's relationship with the law? Paul shows that it is not unspiritual to use legal rights and earthly systems. While our ultimate trust is in God, we can wisely navigate the structures of society to protect the ministry and ensure the truth is heard.

Thank you for joining us for Acts 25. May you walk today with the confidence that God is orchestrating your steps for His glory. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow for Paul’s powerful defense before King Agrippa in Acts Chapter 26.

Navigate the Journey

Previous: ← Acts Chapter 24 | Next: Acts Chapter 26 →

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