Acts 25

As I read through Acts 25, one thing that continuously runs through my mind is Galatians 5:22-23, which we will get to later in this reading plan. But to quickly summarize, Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia regarding what it looks like to walk in the Spirit. These are the verses in which he explains to us the fruit of the Spirit, but after which he makes this statement:

“…against such things there is no law.”

In previous chapters, we see Paul being accused and wrongly imprisoned. He’s put on multiple trials, beaten and flogged, yet he hasn’t broken any laws. Here in chapter 25, it’s no different. Paul is sent to stand trial before the governor, Festus, and then King Agrippa. But despite all the “serious charges” brought against him, no one in authority can find fault with him. Paul is quick to point this out.

“Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense. (v.8)”

As surprising as that is, the situation becomes even more incredible when we realize the charges as explained by Festus to King Agrippa.

“When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions…” (V.18-20)

It seems Festus was under the impression that Paul was some sort of vile, murderous criminal based on how enthusiastically the “chief priest and principle men” were trying to persecute him but Festus found no wrong doing. However, he point out that there was a religious dispute regarding the death of Jesus. It’s a little funny that Festus said he didn’t know how to investigate such a claim. One would think that this could be put to rest quite simply with the chief priest only needing present Jesus’ corpse. But they can’t do that. There is no corpse! It would seem to me that if there is no corpse, then Paul should be released. But Festus appears to be more focused on obtaining the approval of his constituents, rather than doing the right thing and releasing Paul. The chapter ends with yet another trial getting set to begin as Paul stands before King Agrippa.

APPLICATION

Reading about Paul’s journey I realize a couple of major things. One is what he was doing (proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah), and two, how he was doing it (boldly, yet honorably). Paul was evangelizing in such a way as to get noticed. He was faithful in his declaration as to ruffle feathers and offend people, but he proclaimed the Gospel in such a way as to remain above reproach.

So often is the case that my declaration and evangelism tends to fall on the timid side. While I have grown to be more courageous, by the grace of God, I still have a long way to go. Paul shows me how to be bold and courageous and faithful to my calling, and to do it in a way that is respectable and honorable, but not without risk and sacrifice. I should expect that people will be offended by my message, but I should also expect that people will be intrigued enough to want to know more.

PRAYER

It’s my prayer that we would be a people that share the Gospel boldly, accurately and honorably. I pray that we would be freed from our desire for man’s acceptance and approval and more committed to sharing the Gospel with those around us. I pray that we would be blessed to see more people in our neighborhoods and places of business come to know Jesus. And I pray most of all that God would be glorified and that we each would one day stand before our Savior and he would say “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.

Marty Pina | Elder

Marty and Cecily began attending Hutto Bible Church in August of 2008. They both began living out their faith in 2003 while attending Gateway Community Church in Austin. They were married there in 2004. Marty serves in children's ministry, as a small group leader, small group coordinator and as a shepherd. Cecily has served as a C-group leader in student ministry in the past. She currently serves on the worship team and co-leads a small group and co-shepherds with Marty. Marty is currently employed as a network engineer for Time Warner Cable. Cecily is a medical billing software trainer for Brightree. They have two daughters, Alexis (19) and Zoe (8).