Good Friday May twenty ninth as we learn from God’s word His truth for our lives.
Before the king-
Festus is worried what to do about Paul, himself not finding any crimes committed against Rome but believed by some religious differences, the Jews wanted Paul sentenced to crimes deserving of death. When Paul asked to be heard by Caesar which was a right of Roman citizens, Festus knew, what Paul was being accused of, Caesar would find meaningless, and look at Festus and ask why you have wasted my time. With Agrippa in town Festus thought if he hears Paul that maybe he could find a reason to send Paul to Cesar, so let’s read from 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.” So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command, Paul was brought in. 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. 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. I have nothing certain to write to my lord 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. For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.” Notice what Agrippa says, I will hear this man, what he was saying to Festus is I will find what you need to send him to Caesar, I will point out his crime against Rome. Because Agrippa had special interest in placing the high priest in his position, and he wanted to be needed desperately, he basically promises to hear Paul and find a crime he has committed to be sent to Caesar. Remember Paul was commissioned to speak before kings and Agrippa is a king by name. Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” In Caesarea was a large amphitheater which the people packed to hear Agrippa. Quite a sight as they gave Agrippa a royal greeting with all the praise, shouts and instruments announcing his arrival. This king dressed in royal robes enters this theater then Paul is brought out to speak before him. Now Paul many times speaks about himself as just being common, no trills or frills about him at least physically, and now he stands in this royal court. 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Paul is where he is supposed to be preaching to all who are in attendance to witness the gospel. They think they are there to hear a king but God has other plans. Festus confesses he has found Paul innocent before all hearing, now Agrippa will have his opportunity to judge Paul. We are told not fear man rather fear and honor God. Do you trust God? Remnant
