Acts 25:1-5

Theme: God sovereignly uses even imperfect people and political systems to accomplish His redemptive plan.

Central Truth: When human power plays threaten God’s people, His providence and purpose quietly prevail.

I. A New Governor, an Old Grudge (v. 1–2)

Slide Title: “Same Story, New Faces”

Historical setting:

Festus has just arrived in Judea, succeeding Felix—a fresh start for Rome’s governance.

But the moment he steps into power, he steps into the same old conflict surrounding Paul.

Jewish leaders’ persistence:

The “chief priests and leading men” immediately inform Festus against Paul (v. 2).

Their hostility hasn’t cooled after two years (cf. Acts 24:27).

Application:

Spiritual opposition doesn’t fade with time—it waits for opportunity.

New leadership or fresh circumstances don’t erase old grudges rooted in spiritual blindness.

When God is moving through your life, expect resistance to resurface.

Key takeaway: Opposition to the gospel may change faces, but it rarely changes its heart.

II. The Mask of Religion, the Motive of Murder (v. 3)

Slide Title: “When Religion Turns Ruthless”

A deceitful request:

The leaders “asked Festus as a favor” to bring Paul to Jerusalem.

Outwardly—it sounds like legal fairness; inwardly—it conceals murderous intent.

Hidden hostility:

Luke reveals their true plan: an ambush along the road.

This echoes their earlier plot in Acts 23:12–15—same method, same heart.

Moral contrast:

The religious elite, guardians of the Law, plan to break it.

Paul, accused of blasphemy, is the one truly walking in righteousness.

Application:

Beware of the “favor” that hides a sinful agenda.

Spiritual hypocrisy is deadly when appearance replaces integrity.

Religious ambition can become violent when divorced from godliness.

Key takeaway: Religion without truth becomes a weapon; faith anchored in Christ becomes a witness.

III. The Wisdom of a Pagan, the Hand of Providence (v. 4)

Slide Title: “God Can Use Anyone to Guard His Purpose”

Festus’ response:

“Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.”

A pragmatic, procedural answer—but divinely timed.

Human prudence, divine providence:

Festus acts to protect legal order; God acts to protect Paul’s life.

Even in a pagan governor’s caution, God’s sovereignty is steering the outcome.

Biblical pattern:

God used Pharaoh to elevate Joseph, Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem, and now Festus to preserve Paul.

Application:

God’s control extends beyond the church walls—into courts, politics, and secular offices.

You may not trust the system, but you can trust your Savior’s sovereignty over it.

God often works through unexpected people to protect His servants.

Key takeaway: The same God who rules in the sanctuary rules in the senate.

IV. A Fair Hearing and a Faithful Hand (v. 5)

Slide Title: “God’s Justice Always Stands”

Festus’ invitation:

“Let your leaders go to Caesarea and accuse him there if there’s anything against him.”

He demands that the accusers follow proper legal process—justice, not mob rule.

Protection through procedure:

Roman law unwittingly shields Paul.

God uses human systems to preserve His divine mission.

Spiritual insight:

God’s providence is not always miraculous—it’s often procedural.

Sometimes His protection is disguised as paperwork and policy.

Application:

Don’t despise the ordinary means of God’s protection.

When God delays your deliverance, He’s still directing your destiny.

The legal systems, bureaucratic delays, or secular decisions you hate may be the very shield God provides.

Key takeaway: God’s justice may come through human courts, but it is His hand guiding every gavel.

V. God’s Plan Can’t Be Ambushed (Summary / Conclusion)

Slide Title: “The Unstoppable Plan of God”

The Jewish leaders plotted; Festus calculated; Paul waited—but God orchestrated.

The same road meant for ambush would eventually become the road to Rome.

Paul’s protection is not luck—it’s lordship.

This episode reminds believers that:

God’s timing protects you when you don’t even know you’re in danger.

His providence is working behind the scenes when you think nothing’s happening.

His purposes cannot be ambushed by human plots.

Illustration idea: A soldier under fire once said, “The safest place in battle is in the center of God’s will.” Paul proves that—even in Roman chains.

Call to response: Trust God’s invisible hand when visible circumstances seem stacked against you. His plan is unstoppable, even when the enemy lays traps along your path.

Sermon Flow Summary

Same Story, New Faces — Opposition never sleeps.

When Religion Turns Ruthless — Hypocrisy is deadly.

God Can Use Anyone to Guard His Purpose — Sovereignty extends beyond the saints.

God’s Justice Always Stands — Providence works through process.

The Unstoppable Plan of God — Nothing can ambush His purpose.