Sticking to the Same Story

"Sticking to the Same Story" - Acts 25.1-27 Intro: I. Saved from Plots & Politicians by the Judicial System (vv. 1-12) Governor Festus replaces Felix and arrives to clean up his mess in about 60 AD. The Jewish leaders initiate this second plot to ambush Paul (first plot - 23.12-22). Once again, Rome protects Paul by God's providence. Verses 6-12 - It's the 3rd public trial of the Apostle Paul (23.1-10; 24.1-21). Despite the serious charges, Paul's not sinful, sacrilegious, nor seditious. Lk 23 - same charges against Jesus. These Jewish leaders profess to know God but deny Him by their works (Titus 1.16; Jn 8.44-5). If there's no case, why doesn't Festus release Paul? Providentially, Paul's only option isn't going back to Jerusalem. It's an ancient right of Roman citizens to appeal to the Emperor's court for judgment. Paul is saved from another Jewish plot & a Roman politician by the judicial system. It only worked for Paul to appeal to Roman law because he had done nothing wrong (1 Peter 4.13-16). We should be grateful for the laws of our land and not fear to utilize them when falsely attacked, and hold others to them as well. Paul's not just standing up for himself to preserve his life, but for the truth & the Gospel of Christ. II. Seeing with Clarity the Central Issue at Stake (vv. 13-22) Verses 18-19 - He declares Paul not guilty of serious crimes, and that it's merely a religious dispute among the Jews. And central to the dispute is the Gospel of Jesus and the resurrection. The real issue is between those who believe God's Gospel in the Bible and those who do not. See Romans 10.1-4; Philip 3.18-19. Paul succeeded at keeping the main thing the main thing, even under duress. It's evidence of the Spirit working to grant Paul words and to glorify Christ thru him. At this first hearing Festus is confused about a lot of things. Thankfully some new friends arrive who will hopefully help him out. Who is King Agrippa II and why does Festus seek his help with figuring out Paul? He's a client king, part of the infamous family of Herod the Great, his great grandson, and the son of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12). He ruled over the old territory of Philip the tetrarch, in the far north and around the Sea of Galilee, plus some areas east of the Jordan River. The Romans gave him legal jurisdiction over the Temple and to appoint the High Priest. He knew Jewish law and religious issues. He had an appearance of piety, but was in an incestuous relationship with his younger sister Bernice. Agrippa's desire to hear from Paul parallels an account in Luke 23.6-12 with the Lord Jesus and Herod Antipas. III. Setting the Stage for the Defense of the Lord's Little Man (vv. 23-27) Paul's 4th public trial commences with much pomp & pageantry. God has put together an assembly of dignitaries and put Paul on center stage. Why? Paul stands before them chained, but God's Word is free and about to be unleashed. As Paul's given the opportunity to speak, we already know what he's going to say. Next time we'll see that maybe Festus doesn't have any more clarity about what to write to the Emperor. But he'll be given a lot to think about in reference to the Gospel of King Jesus.