Acts 25:6-9

I. The Appearance of Justice (v.6) — “Looks Fair, But Isn’t”

A. Festus’ promptness appears commendable

He spends “not more than eight or ten days” in Jerusalem before returning to Caesarea.

He immediately takes his seat “on the judgment bench” (βῆμα) and calls for Paul.

Luke shows Festus moving quickly—contrast to Felix’s delay (24:27).

B. But his motives are administrative, not moral

His efficiency is about procedure, not truth.

He wants to appear competent before Rome and cooperative before the Jews.

This is the appearance of justice without the heart of justice.

C. Application

In every age, worldly leaders often value image over integrity.

God’s people must discern between true justice and political convenience.

Question: Do we value doing what’s right, or looking like we did what’s right?

II. The Accusation Without Proof (v.7) — “All Bark, No Evidence”

A. The Jews surround Paul with hostility

The Greek text paints a vivid picture: “They stood around him”—a circle of opposition.

Their intent is intimidation and pressure, not truth.

B. Their case is empty

They bring “many serious charges that they could not prove.”

The term “serious” (χαλεπὰ) shows severity; “could not prove” shows falsity.

Luke’s pattern continues: every Roman authority finds Paul innocent (cf. 23:29; 24:22–27).

C. Theological reflection

False accusation is the enemy’s oldest tactic (Job 1–2; Revelation 12:10).

God allows Paul to stand in this fire not for punishment, but for witness.

D. Application

Followers of Christ must not be surprised when falsely accused.

Integrity is not proven by the absence of opposition, but by faithfulness in it.

Principle: You can’t control the accusations, but you can control the integrity of your response.

III. The Clarity of Paul’s Defense (v.8) — “Clean Hands, Clear Conscience”

A. Paul’s defense is concise and comprehensive

“Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned at all.”

Threefold denial:

Law — He has not violated the Mosaic code.

Temple — He has not profaned the holy place.

Caesar — He has not rebelled against Rome.

B. Paul models integrity under pressure

No flattery, no anger, no compromise—just truth.

He answers as a citizen of heaven and of Rome (cf. Acts 22:28).

His defense points to a clear conscience before both God and man (cf. Acts 24:16).

C. The theological thread

Paul’s blamelessness before Jewish and Roman law mirrors Christ’s innocence before Pilate.

The world’s systems cannot condemn what God has justified.

D. Application

A believer’s greatest defense is a consistent life.

You can’t always out-argue the accusers, but you can live in a way that outlasts them.

Challenge: Is your life defensible before both God and man?

IV. The Compromise of Power (v.9) — “Politics Over Principle”

A. Festus’ motivation exposed

“Wanting to do the Jews a favor…” — same phrase used for Felix (24:27).

He is less interested in truth than in peacekeeping.

Political expediency drives his decision-making.

B. The proposal: “Will you go up to Jerusalem?”

Sounds fair, but is treacherous.

Festus suggests a change of venue—yet Paul knows a Jewish ambush awaits (25:2–3).

The procurator offers a false compromise: justice on their terms.

C. Luke’s theological point

Even rulers in power are servants of a higher plan.

God will use Festus’ duplicity to propel Paul’s journey toward Rome.

What seems like compromise in human eyes becomes providence in God’s.

D. Application

The church must not depend on political favor to accomplish divine purposes.

Truth: God doesn’t need a fair system to fulfill His plan—He just needs a faithful servant.

V. “When Man Plays Games, God Keeps His Plan”(Thematic Summary)

A. Luke’s narrative reminds us: earthly courts fail, divine providence prevails.

Felix delayed, Festus compromised—but God advanced His mission.

Each act of injustice moves Paul closer to Rome, and the gospel closer to the ends of the earth.

B. Paul’s example calls believers to unwavering faithfulness

He doesn’t scheme; he simply stands firm.

Faithfulness, not fairness, determines fruitfulness in God’s kingdom.

C. Application

When systems fail you — trust God’s sovereignty.

When accusations rise — stand with integrity.

When compromise tempts — hold your ground.

CONCLUSION

In Acts 25:6–9, the Roman world and the Jewish elite play politics with Paul’s life.

Yet through it all, Paul remains unmoved—because his confidence isn’t in Festus, Felix, or Caesar.

His trust is in Christ, whose kingdom cannot be manipulated by human hands.

The message for us: When the world plays politics, the people of God must play for eternity.