◄ Acts 25:12 ►
Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Study Bible
Then Festus
Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, succeeded Felix and was known for his more just and fair approach to governance. His role in this passage is crucial as he navigates the legal complexities of Paul's case. The name "Festus" is of Latin origin, meaning "festival" or "festive," which may reflect the Roman cultural emphasis on public celebrations and legal proceedings. Historically, Festus is seen as a more competent administrator compared to his predecessor, Felix, which is significant in understanding the political and judicial environment of the time.

conferred with his council
The act of conferring with a council indicates a formal consultation process, typical of Roman legal proceedings. The Greek word used here, "συμβουλίου" (symboulion), suggests a gathering of advisors or a legal body that would provide counsel to the governor. This reflects the Roman emphasis on collective decision-making and the importance of legal protocol. The council would have been composed of experienced officials who could offer insight into the legal ramifications of Paul's appeal.

and replied
The Greek term "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai) is used here, meaning to answer or respond. This indicates a formal and authoritative response from Festus, highlighting his role as the decision-maker in this legal matter. The use of this term underscores the gravity of the situation and the official nature of the proceedings.

You have appealed to Caesar
Paul's appeal to Caesar, the Roman emperor, was a legal right of Roman citizens, allowing them to seek a higher court's judgment. The phrase underscores the legal protections afforded to Roman citizens and Paul's strategic use of his citizenship to ensure a fair trial. Historically, this appeal would have been directed to Nero, the reigning emperor at the time, known for his complex and often tyrannical rule. This appeal reflects Paul's understanding of Roman law and his desire to proclaim the Gospel even in the heart of the empire.

To Caesar you will go!
Festus's declaration is both a legal confirmation and a prophetic statement. The Greek phrase "πρὸς Καίσαρα πορεύσῃ" (pros Kaisara poreusē) indicates a journey or mission towards Caesar. This not only confirms Paul's legal right but also aligns with the divine plan for Paul to testify in Rome, as previously revealed in Acts 23:11. The phrase carries a sense of inevitability and divine purpose, emphasizing God's sovereignty in using legal and political systems to fulfill His will. This journey to Caesar symbolizes the spread of the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Festus
Porcius Festus was the Roman governor of Judea, succeeding Felix. He played a crucial role in the legal proceedings against Paul, demonstrating the Roman legal system's influence over Judean affairs.

2. Paul
The apostle Paul, a central figure in the early Christian church, was under trial for charges brought against him by Jewish leaders. His appeal to Caesar was a strategic move to ensure a fair trial and to continue his mission to spread the Gospel.

3. Caesar
Referring to the Roman Emperor, at this time, Nero. Paul's appeal to Caesar was a legal right of Roman citizens, allowing them to have their case heard by the emperor.

4. Council
The group of advisors or legal experts who assisted Festus in making judicial decisions. Their role highlights the structured legal processes of the Roman Empire.

5. Appeal to Caesar
A legal right of Roman citizens to have their case heard by the emperor. This appeal was a pivotal moment in Paul's journey, leading to his eventual travel to Rome.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Legal Systems
Even in secular legal systems, God's purposes can be fulfilled. Paul's appeal to Caesar was part of God's plan to spread the Gospel to Rome.

Strategic Use of Rights
Christians can wisely use their legal rights and privileges to further the Gospel and ensure justice, as Paul did by appealing to Caesar.

Courage in the Face of Injustice
Paul’s boldness in appealing to Caesar despite the risks involved encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and mission, even when facing unjust circumstances.

Trust in God's Promises
Paul's journey to Rome was a fulfillment of God's promise, reminding believers to trust in God's timing and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's appeal to Caesar demonstrate his understanding of his rights as a Roman citizen, and how can we apply this understanding in our own context today?

2. In what ways does Acts 25:12 show the fulfillment of God's promise to Paul in Acts 23:11, and how does this encourage us to trust in God's promises?

3. How can we see God's hand at work in secular legal systems today, and what can we learn from Paul's experience in Acts 25:12?

4. What are some modern-day situations where Christians might need to use their legal rights to further the Gospel or seek justice?

5. How does Paul's courage in appealing to Caesar inspire us to stand firm in our faith when facing challenges or injustices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 23:11
This verse connects to Acts 25:12 as it records the Lord's promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome, showing the fulfillment of God's plan through Paul's appeal to Caesar.

Philippians 1:12-14
These verses reflect on Paul's imprisonment and how it served to advance the Gospel, illustrating the broader impact of his legal trials.

Romans 13:1-7
This passage discusses the role of governing authorities, providing context for understanding Paul's interaction with Roman officials like Festus.
Sermons
Christian EpochsJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 25:1-12
Paul Before FestusD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 25:1-12
Paul Before FestusA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 25:1-12
Paul Before FestusK. Gerok.Acts 25:1-12
SneakismScientific IllustrationsActs 25:1-12
Tenacity in RightE. Johnson Acts 25:1-12
The Christian in Reference to Changes of GovernmentK. Gerok.Acts 25:1-12
The Way Opened to RomeR.A. Redford Acts 25:1-12
The Enlightened, the Unenlightened, and the Great OverrulerW. Clarkson Acts 25:1-16
PopularityJ. W. Burn.Acts 25:7-12
The Appeal to CaesarK. Gerok.Acts 25:7-12
The Appeal to CaesarK. Gerok., J. H. Tasson.Acts 25:7-12
The Christian and the WorldJ. W. Burn.Acts 25:7-12
The Noble Firmness of the Christian in the Maintenance of His RightsRobe.Acts 25:7-12
People
Agrippa, Augustus, Bernice, Felix, Festus, Paul
Places
Caesarea, Jerusalem
Topics
Appealed, Caesar, Cause, Cesar, Communed, Conferred, Conferring, Council, Declared, Discussion, Festus, Hast, Jews, Replied
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 25:1-12

     5108   Paul, life of
     5203   acquittal
     5593   trial

Acts 25:10-12

     4263   Rome

Acts 25:11-12

     8427   evangelism, kinds of

Library
1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
[4] "I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; "And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."--1 Cor. 15:3-4. THE text which heads this paper is taken from a passage of Scripture with which most Englishmen are only too well acquainted. It is the chapter from which the lesson has been selected, which forms part of the matchless Burial Service of the Church of England. Of …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Whether a Judge May Condemn a Man who is not Accused?
Objection 1: It would seem that a judge may pass sentence on a man who is not accused. For human justice is derived from Divine justice. Now God judges the sinner even though there be no accuser. Therefore it seems that a man may pass sentence of condemnation on a man even though there be no accuser. Objection 2: Further, an accuser is required in judicial procedure in order that he may relate the crime to the judge. Now sometimes the crime may come to the judge's knowledge otherwise than by accusation; …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Ambition is Opposed to Magnanimity by Excess?
Objection 1: It seems that ambition is not opposed to magnanimity by excess. For one mean has only one extreme opposed to it on the one side. Now presumption is opposed to magnanimity by excess as stated above ([3363]Q[130], A[2]). Therefore ambition is not opposed to it by excess. Objection 2: Further, magnanimity is about honors; whereas ambition seems to regard positions of dignity: for it is written (2 Macc. 4:7) that "Jason ambitiously sought the high priesthood." Therefore ambition is not opposed …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Lawful for the Accused to Escape Judgment by Appealing?
Objection 1: It would seem unlawful for the accused to escape judgment by appealing. The Apostle says (Rom. 13:1): "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." Now the accused by appealing refuses to be subject to a higher power, viz. the judge. Therefore he commits a sin. Objection 2: Further, ordinary authority is more binding than that which we choose for ourselves. Now according to the Decretals (II, qu. vi, cap. A judicibus) it is unlawful to appeal from the judges chosen by common consent. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
[10] "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. "Then Agrippa said …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Messiah Worshipped by Angels
Let all the angels of God worship Him. M any of the Lord's true servants, have been in a situation so nearly similar to that of Elijah, that like him they have been tempted to think they were left to serve the Lord alone (I Kings 19:10) . But God had then a faithful people, and He has so in every age. The preaching of the Gospel may be compared to a standard erected, to which they repair, and thereby become known to each other, and more exposed to the notice and observation of the world. But we hope …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Jerusalem to Rome
Acts 21:17-28:31 THIS JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 21:17-28:31 1. The speech before the Jewish mob in the temple (Acts 22:1-29) in which Paul tells the Jews how he was changed from a persecutor to a believer in Christ. He relates also the story of his conversion. 2. The speech before the Jewish council (Acts 22:30; 23:1-10) in which he creates confusion by raising the question of the resurrection. But the provocation was great for the high-priest had commanded that Paul be smitten …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
Acts 13-28 and all the rest of the New Testament except the epistles of John and Revelation. The Changed Situation. We have now come to a turning point in the whole situation. The center of work has shifted from Jerusalem to Antioch, the capital of the Greek province of Syria, the residence of the Roman governor of the province. We change from the study of the struggles of Christianity in the Jewish world to those it made among heathen people. We no longer study many and various persons and their …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its Just Weight...
One argument which has been much relied upon (but not more than its just weight deserves) is the conformity of the facts occasionally mentioned or referred to in Scripture with the state of things in those times, as represented by foreign and independent accounts; which conformity proves, that the writers of the New Testament possessed a species of local knowledge which could belong only to an inhabitant of that country and to one living in that age. This argument, if well made out by examples, is …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

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