Acts 25:1-27 "Paul's Trial Before Festus"

Good morning Calvary Chapel Lake City! Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 25. Acts 25:1-27.

Last week we covered all 27 verses of Acts 24, and today all 27 verses of Chapter 25.

The end of this book will move along quick… just 3 more chapters after today…

We left off where Paul had been escorted away from Jerusalem by a Roman military escort of 470 soldiers… who protected him from 40 some would be Jewish assassins who took a vow they would neither eat nor drink until they killed Paul (a foolish vow).

Paul was taken to Caesarea Maritima where he stood on trial before Governor Felix.

His accusers were the Jewish High Priest Ananias and the elders (The Sanhedrin… possibly all 70 of them).

They brought a smooth talking orator named Tertullus with them who spoke flattery and lies… as do all silver tongued devils speak.

Tertullus smeared Paul’s character calling him “a plague” and accused Paul of dissension, being a ringleader of a despised group- the Nazarenes, and stated Paul attempted to desecrate the temple.

Essentially, they claimed Paul was violating the Pax Romana… the Peace of Rome… a crime punishable by death.

The Jews even seized and would have killed Paul (which was a right they could enforce against anyone who desecrated the temple)…

But the Roman Commander Lysias took Paul from them… “by great violence” they claimed.

Victimizers crying victim… oh the hypocrisy.

Of course, Paul refuted these accusations…

He was not in Jerusalem 12 days… to short to cause such trouble…

He was no enemy to the peace or to Jerusalem… in fact he delivered relief funds to his nation.

He was peaceable participating in purification rituals…

There were no eye witnesses who could testify of him causing trouble…

And where were his accusers at present… they vanished off the scene as false accusers do.

He pointed out that the true issue was a theological debate over Jesus and the Resurrection.

So, Felix was stuck between Paul, the Roman Citizen’s words… and the Jewish Sanhedrin… the top religious figures of Israel (who typically rioted when they didn’t get their way)…

So, Felix postpones the case until Commander Lysias can appear (which he never does).

It seems that after Lysias wrote a letter to Felix in Acts 23 proclaiming his own and Paul’s innocence… Lysias was done with the case.

So… Paul sat and waited… two years… what some call “Paul’s silent years”… as no writings or ministry events are recorded during this period.

Two years waiting at Caesarea… a prisoner who had some freedoms and visitation rights…

Who even appeared often before Felix and Drusilla (as Felix hoped for a bribe to release Paul)…

Gold and silver Felix did not receive… Paul offered something much more valuable… the Gospel of Jesus Christ…

Which only made Felix afraid (a response of those who reject Christ)… and Felix said, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

And, it’s never recorded a more convenient time did come. Scripture declares, “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor 6:2)

After two years, wicked Felix was removed from office as he failed as a peace keeper for Rome in Israel.

His going away present to the Jews was leaving Paul imprisoned.

We pick up today where there is a newly appointed Governor… Porcius Festus…

We WILL NOT be calling him PORKios Festus as some scholars do… or I’ll be thinking of Porky Pig the whole time…

Last week our sermon title was “Paul’s Trial Before Felix”… today our sermon title is “Paul’s Trial Before Festus.”

James said, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Paul was literally living this out… various literal and figurative trials… and after two years of waiting… being a political pawn and prisoner… I’m sure he developed great patience.

“Count it all joy...” James said! Thanks Jimmy!

Let’s Pray!

Acts 25:1-4 “Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him [or presented formal charges] against Paul; and they petitioned him, 3 asking a favor against him [Paul], that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him.”

Porcius Festus- not much is known of this Roman Governor who was in office for about 2 years… roughly 59-60 A.D. while Nero was Caesar.

His short time as Governor is attributed to him apparently dying while in office. It was said he was an older man.

He inherited the problems in Israel left by Felix. And, Josephus wrote that once Festus was installed as Governor, a Jewish delegation came to accuse Felix… which may explain why Chapter 24 ended with the words “Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.”

Felix caused so much disruption… he needed Jewish mercy.

Festus, while not perfect… seems to do things by the book… the Roman book of law.

Just three days into office, Festus treks up to Jerusalem… seemingly to start on the right foot with the Jews…

And, what does Luke record? What does the High Priest and the chief men of the Jews want to discuss? PAUL!

After two years, they are as salty as ever.

Do you know what happens when you hold onto a grudge… when you let bitterness fester in your heart? YOU suffer… YOU become defiled.

That’s what Heb 12:14-15 states, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”

The religious leaders did NOT pursue peace… they lacked grace.. a bitter root grew… corrupted them and two years later… they bore bitter fruit.

What a great first impression! Have you even met someone like this? “Have a nice day!” “What’s so nice about it?” Obviously NOT you!

That was the religious leaders… the blind guides.

Don’t let that be you. If two years have gone by and you’re still bitter… pray about how you can move forward with peace, holiness, and grace.

And that’s no small feat for some situations.

Festus pays them a visit and seemingly the first order of business is presenting formal charges against Paul…

Probably the same charges Tertullus presented in Chapter 24 two years prior.

And, they ask for favors for Paul to appear in Jerusalem.

Are they preying on the inexperience Festus has governing Israel? And,

Their intent is NOT a trial for Paul, but an ambush somewhere along the way from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

I wonder if they employed the same 40 some Jews in Acts 23 who bound themselves with an oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they killed Paul?

Because I doubt those guys kept their vow… I bet they are still alive and ticking.

Did Festus know about the plan to ambush Paul?

Difficult to tell by the way V3 reads… but, I take the end of V3 as narrative… not that the Jews were telling Festus their plan.

So, this is how Chapter 25 begins… this chapter is going to be great!

Well let’s see how Festus responds…

Acts 25:4-5 “But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”

Festus doesn’t go for their plan. He’s a Roman Loyalist… and Paul is a Roman Citizen. Festus will uphold the law and conduct a trial… and not in Jerusalem… with it’s history of riots.

Therefore… V5 Festus permits the Jewish leadership to bring charges against Paul…

He’s willing to re-open the case against Paul, and being that the charges are predominately civil… and because the riotous history in Jerusalem… Caesarea was the proper place for trial.

Continuing on…

Acts 25:6-9 “And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. [In Acts 26:29 Paul states he is in chains] 7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 8 while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.” 9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”

Festus stays in Jerusalem ten days (which is a dream come true for us Christians).

I do hope to lead an Israel trip some time in the coming years. It’s been said, “A week in Israel is worth a year of Bible College.” And, I would agree.

Being there makes the geography and culture come to life. Having been there myself, I can picture the massive stones of the Temple… I can still see the zeal of the Jews… and the beauty of the Sea of Galilee… and so much more.

But, for Festus… I’m not sure. It’s different visiting versus being appointed to keep peace and knowing many people hate you.

After ten days, Festus departs Jerusalem and returns to the coastal city of Caesarea… a 2-4 day journey.

The day following his return… he wastes no time, and commands Paul to be brought to him… and Festus is sitting on the judgment seat.

The word “judgment seat” in Gk. is bēma, (bay´-ma).

Traditionally, this was a raised stone platform that would allow the judge to been seen and heard, but also he was elevated as he was in authority over the accused.

Many of us… or many of you don’t know what it’s like to stand before a judge.

You’ve lived a good life. You’ve stayed out of trouble. You didn’t drink, smoke or chew… or go with girls that do.

But, even despite your sterling character… AND being a saved believer in Christ… the Bible says that “all [and the context is believers] appear before the judgment seat (the bēma) of Christ.”

NOT to be judged for salvation, but for how we lived our lives.

Rom 14:10 states, “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

You may have never stood before an earthly judge… but know that we are all accountable to our heavenly judge. Jesus is going to look at the account of our life and according to Rom 14:10 being judgmental of other believers and showing contempt (or looking down upon) other believers are two things Jesus is going to have a conversation with us about.

Wow! That should make some people shake in their boots! Not at this church of course, but Christians at other churches.

Have you ever met someone like this? No one can measure up… always pointing their finger at other people.

Well, you know what happens when you point one finger at others, right?

Yeah… you have three pointing back at you.

In Matt 7:1-5 Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Wow! We have to be careful NOT to fall into hypocrisy by being excessively judgy and critical of other believers.

We will be judged for this at the Bēma Seat of Christ.

Another verse that references this judgment seat is 2 Cor 5:10 which states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Paul writing to the Christians in Corinth… gave them a holy heads up that judgment is coming.

When we die we will stand before the bēma of Christ… and we will receive or be recompensed / paid back according to our deeds in the body… good or bad.

Our deeds include light and darkness in our lives. Holiness and sinfulness… to which Paul wrote when the Lord comes He will “bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts.” (1 Cor 4:5)

There are no secret sins… all we be revealed.

Our deeds also include the quantity, quality, boldness, faithfulness, and motives of our service to the Lord.

Is now a good time for me to plug attending our Ministry Meeting today at 2pm to discover service opportunities? Seems relevant.

At the bēma Seat Judgment of Christ, our works are judged and we are rewarded for the works done with pure motive for Christ’s glory.

Speaking about these rewards, Paul wrote in 1 Cor 3:13-15 “...each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

There are crown promised to believers in eternity… the crown of life, the crown of glory, and the crown of righteousness.

Life is a vapor. Eternity is knocking. What are you going to do with the time you have left?

Remember what Felix said last week? “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

EHHHNT!! WRONG ANSWER!

The time is now. TIME is NOT convenient.

Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven NOW. It’s the best retirement plan around.

And, that’s why… in Paul’s final letter… as he looked back on his life… he could write in confidence… 2 Tim 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Dear Christian… don’t look back on your life with regret because you built your house, but laid very few bricks for the Lord.

You lay bricks for the Lord, and there will be laid up for you… crowns in heaven.

Well, back in Acts… Paul… thought confident about his eternal bēma seat judgment… he stands in chains before the earthly judge Festus… and his judgement seat.

And, V7 states the Jews came down from Jerusalem and brought serious, yet unprovable charges against Paul.

So, it’s a circus. No solid witnesses. No solid evidence. Nothing worthy of a sentence.

Have you ever had false accusations against you? We all have… if not here on earth… certainly in the heavenly realm.

Rev 12:10 calls Satan the “accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night.”

Satan loves to flaunt our faults before God.

However, Rom 8:34 states Jesus is “at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

Satan accuses. “Do you see what he did?” “Do you see what she did.”

And, Jesus is there interceding. “That’s covered with my blood.”

Jesus serves in all kinds of roles in our life… He’s our judge and He’s our defender.

Well… for Paul… in this circus of a trial… Paul doesn’t have to defend himself very strong… in V8… he simply states… I haven’t violated the laws of the Jews… the temple… or Caesar.

I’m innocent before man, before God, and before Rome.

Now… V9 gives us glimpse of Festus’ heart… that he’s still a crafty politician… we read those words, “But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor...”

Chapter 24 ended with those same words regarding the former Governor Felix.

These Roman Governors were not pure… they had motives in their heart.

Felix wanted a bribe… his motive was greed.

And Festus… a little more obscure at to his motive… why does he want to do the Jews a favor?

It seems he just doesn’t want to deal with this circus.

As we read ahead, we will see that Festus sees no violation against Rome… the accusations were a religious matter… so let him be tried in Jerusalem.

And so he asks Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”

And, Paul’s and Festus’ subsequent response in VSS 10-12, are a climatic moment in the Book of Acts…

Acts 25:10-12 “So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

What a powerhouse scene. Paul is a Roman citizen and he knew he had the right to appeal to Caesar.

The right to appeal was called provocatio in Roman law… and Paul exercises it.

How sad is it that Paul would rather fall into the hands of one of the craziest Roman Emperors in history… Nero.

Versus falling into the hands of the religious leaders.

Paul sizes up the situation and determines he is more likely to have a fair trial going to Rome before Nero versus then to Jerusalem before the High Council.

Going to Jerusalem was the wrong way in so many ways…

Why would Paul return to the place where injustice was so evident?

Why would Paul risk the road where he knew from the past… Jews vowed to ambush and kill him?

Why would Paul listen to the request of a Roman Governor to go EAST to Jerusalem… when the voice of the Lord clearly said go WEST to ROME?

In Acts 23:11 Jesus said, “...you must also bear witness at Rome.”

Paul was ROME BOUND… Not Jerusalem bound.

I remember when we were ending our one year lease in California. The Lord clearly told us to go to WEST to the Philippines. The missions sending organization wanted to wait… which meant we would have left California and probably headed EAST…

Who’s voice were we to listen to? We listened to the Lord and went WEST!!!

Do you remember the Apostle’s words when the High Priest forbade him to teach in Jesus’ name? Peter said in Acts 5:29 “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

So, Paul declines the request to go to Jerusalem…

He says, “I appeal to Caesar.”

Festus discussed these things with his advisors, and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

There’s so much to read in between the lines with this statement.

It’s as if he is saying, “You exercised your right to appeal… and there’s no going back.”

It’s as if he releases him saying, “Be careful what you wish for. You will now face Nero.”

It’s as if he is happily saying, “I can now wash my hands of this case. I’m free from this mess.”

The trial should have been over at this point… and Paul should have been sent to Rome.

Instead, Festus is visited by King Agrippa… and ultimately Paul will stand before him as well.

Acts 25:13-21 “And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.

Pause right there… you’ve have to understand who king Agrippa and Bernice are…

Roman Governor Festus is the new guy in town… large and in charge.

So, king Agrippa (who ruled over lands in the north) visits him to pay his respects.

This is Marcus Julius Agrippa II… who was appointed king by Claudius Caesar over a small kingdom in 48A.D. … and over the years his borders enlarged.

He was entirely loyal to Rome… even sending two thousand of troops against Israel during the First Jewish-Roman War 66-73 A.D.

And if you come from a dysfunctional family… and want to feel better about your roots… study the line of the Herods. (I have a slide of their family tree).

Here’s a quick portrayal of how messed up this family is…

Agrippa II appears in Acts 25 with Bernice…she first married at age 13, but her husband died. Her Father betrothed her to her uncle, Herod of Chalcis, but he died as well.

Now in Acts 25, she appears with Agrippa II, her half brother and rumors were circulating that they had an incestuous relationship. So, she went on to marry another, but that was a failed relationship… at least he didn’t die.

If you go back a generation, Agrippa II’s father was Agrippa I… He imprisoned Peter and killed the Apostle James the son of Zebedee, the brother of John… the “Sons of Thunder.”

Agrippa II’s Great Uncle Herod Antipas married his Aunt Herodias… and they were responsible for the death of John the Baptist.

Agrippa II’s Great Grandfather with Herod the Great… who tried to kill Jesus when he was a child by putting to death all the male children two years and younger in Bethlehem.

This is the family we are dealing with. Murderous. Incestuous. VERY Dysfunctional.

Now, we will see that Herod Agrippa II gets involved in Paul’s trial, but he has no jurisdiction.

He is serving more as a consultant… one who understood Jewish culture.

And that’s what we see starting in V14… Festus explained Paul’s case to king Agrippa II… continuing in V14…

Acts 25:14-21 “When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man [he doesn’t even say Paul’s name] left a prisoner by Felix, 15 about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. V16 To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ [V16 gives us more detail of the conversation between Festus and the Jews at the beginning of this chapter in VSS4-5… and reinforces the idea that Festus was committed to upholding proper judicial proceedings.] V17 Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, [meaning there were no legitimate charges proving Paul violated Roman Law] 19 but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus [a title synonomous with Caesar here… not a name], I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.” [Caesar Nero… Emperor from 54-68 A.D.]

Pretty self explanatory here in VSS 14-21… Festus has inherited Paul’s case.

Festus is spending time with Agrippa and Bernice… and shares the details of the case.

What’s very interesting to me is what Festus says of Jesus in V19… he calls him “a certain Jesus.”

Festus didn’t really know who Jesus was.

On this… Spurgeon said, “Brethren, this is why we must keep on preaching Jesus Christ, because he is still so little known. The masses of this city are as ignorant of Jesus as Festus was.”

How many people today only know Jesus as “a certain Jesus?”

All around us are opportunities. Be intentional about your faith.

As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This is what Paul did before Festus. It’s evident by V19, that proclaimed Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Paul was a light in the world. He didn’t keep the good news to himself. He shared it boldly… at great personal risk… at great personal loss.

We don’t have these risks… the only thing stopping us in proclaiming the gospel… is us.

We have no good excuse.

What’s the worse thing that’s going to happen?

You might get cussed out.

“But Pastor Marc… you’re used to people cussing you out. People cuss you out all the time.”

No they don’t. At least not to my face.

But, I’m willing to be verbally abused even to plant a seed of the Gospel in a stranger’s heart.

Paul was intentional about sharing Jesus to Festus who knew Jesus not.

In V20 Festus says, “I was uncertain of such questions...”

He was “as a loss” and didn’t know how to investigate this matter.

Can I just say… the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not something you need to investigate… it’s something you need to believe through faith.

The Gospel is above logic… it defies logic…

You cannot climb up into heaven to investigate and believe.

After Jesus died and rose again… Thomas doubted… and in John 20:27-29 Jesus said, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

That’s you and I. We have not seen the risen Christ, and yet we believe.

There was no physical investigation of His hands and His side.

Someone shared the Gospel with you… or your read the Bible… somehow you heard or read… and you believed.

And, because of that… Jesus says you are blessed.

Festus… when he heard these things about Jesus… he rejected it… he didn’t know what to do with it… he tried to send Paul back to Jerusalem.

He was not blessed.

Festus wraps up the recount in V21 where Paul appealed to Caesar… his right as a citizen… and Festus was holding him prisoner until he could send him to Rome.

Festus… sharing all of this with Agrippa had it’s desired effect.

Agrippa is intrigued, and wants to hear more. And, from his valuable insights… perhaps Festus will know how to send Paul to Rome.

Because… you didn’t just send someone to Nero without a cause…

Or you may appear before Caesar Nero.

Continuing on… Agrippa bites…

Acts 25:22-27 “Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” 23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp [Gk phantasia- fantasy, show, parade, pageantry. They arrived dressed in royal purple and all arrogance.], and had entered the auditorium [a place of hearing] with the commanders [chiliarchs… commanders each of a thousand Roman soldiers… and scholars note there were five of them] and the prominent men of the city [leading men no doubt in politics and business], at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. [And, Paul thought… “Amazing… another opportunity to share the Gospel before the most important people of the land] 24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. [And, here’s Festus’ problem…] V26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord [Caesar Nero] concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

And, the Chapter ends right there. The screen fades to black and the words “To be continued...” appear in white.

Next week, we are going to hear Paul’s defense and about his early life. He will recount his conversion and share the gospel… It’s going to be awesome.

If you’re visiting with us this week only… or if you came today and plan to miss next week… what can I say? You picked the wrong week.

Next week is going to be so much better. It’s worth the read ahead… you’ll be blessed.

But look, in V27 Festus was right. Paul was a Roman Citizen who was held for two years without a legitimate charge… he was a political pawn… he was unfairly held.

And, now that he has appealed to Caesar… Festus has a problem on his hands. He doesn’t know what charge to place on him as he ships Paul to Rome.

So, Festus gathers all the big brains… all the power and might of Caesarea and beyond to evaluate and find a charge against Paul.

They arrived with all their pomp… all their self-importance… all their display of wealth…

Sterotypically… Belly-laughing face-to-face… and stabbing one another in the back as they go…

The world would look upon them… in their power and position and think, “These people are really important.”

Contrast them with Paul… who Festus doesn’t even name by name. Festus just calls Paul “this man” in V24…

This nameless… unimportant man… compared to all of us.

This flea… who was but an irritation in the life of Festus…who the most important men of Caesarea gathered around for a show before they rid him of Festus’ life.

But, if it were not for Paul and Jesus… let me ask you this. Would you even know the names of Agrippa and Festus?

I would submit to you that these men… for all the importance they thought they possessed… they were not important whatsoever.

They are merely footnotes in the life of Paul.

If they were not an appendage to Paul’s story… 99% of people would not know who they were.

What the world deems as important… stands NOT in eternity.

Worldly pomp… wordly prestige… worldly power… it all matters not.

When you look at social media, the news, or Hollywood… and you see all the supposed beautiful and important people…

Don’t trust your eyes when you look at the things the world deems as important.

Remember Festus. Remember Agrippa. They were a big deal in their day, but their 30 years or so of importance does not compare to eternity.

Paul… may have stood there in chains… and may have stood their unnamed… but he and Jesus whom he preached… were the only figures of eternal importance in the room.

Ps 84:10… remember the words of the Psalmist… “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

There’s some perspective. Better to be a servant at the entrance of the house of God, than to live in the lavish tents of the wicked.

A great summary as we close out this chapter.

AMEN? Let’s Pray!

You are Sons and Daughters of the Most High God. Remember your God as you enter this week.

Hold your head high because you are blessed… for you have not seen… and yet… you believe.

Go share the good news boldly like Paul.

And, serve the Lord… for we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ… and there is a crown awaiting all who have loved His appearing.

I hope to see you today at our Ministry Meeting… as we plan this next season of being a light to our community… for His names sake.

God bless you as you enter this week ahead.