Trials and Tribulations: Paul before Festus and Agrippa

Acts 25 testifies to the perseverance of faith amid adversity. Paul’s trials take him further into the Roman judicial system, giving him fresh opportunities to bear witness to the Gospel at higher levels of authority. This chapter encourages believers to use every opportunity, even adversities, for the proclamation of the gospel and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Verses 1-12: The Appeal to Caesar

Arriving in Jerusalem, Festus is met with the demands of Jewish leaders to bring Paul to trial. They hope to ambush and kill Paul during his transport. When Festus suggests Paul be moved to Jerusalem, Paul, aware of his rights as a Roman citizen, appeals to Caesar.

Verses 13-22: Festus's Predicament

King Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea and Festus discusses his dilemma with them. He admits that Paul's case revolves around religious disputes and Jesus' resurrection, a matter he's unsure about.

Verses 23-27: Paul's Introduction to King Agrippa

Festus introduces Paul to King Agrippa, Bernice, and local dignitaries. Festus expresses his hope that Agrippa might help frame charges against Paul that could be sent to Caesar. This chapter ends on a cliffhanger as we await Paul’s defense before King Agrippa.

Acts 25 sees Paul facing new trials and tribulations. As he stands before Festus and then King Agrippa, we witness his steadfast commitment to truth and justice. The chapter reveals how God can utilize the intricacies of legal and political systems to ensure the spread of the Gospel.

Continued Trials
Justice and Politics
Proclamation of the GospelThe Appeal to Caesar
Festus's Predicament
Paul's Introduction to King AgrippaPaul
Festus
King Agrippa and Bernice
The Jewish leadersCaesarea
Jerusalem

1. How does Paul's appeal to Caesar highlight the significance of knowing and standing up for one's rights?

2. What can we learn from the way Paul handles the ongoing plots against him?

3. How does Festus's confusion over religious matters reflect common misunderstandings about the Christian faith?

4. In what ways does Paul’s trial before Festus mirror the trials and tribulations that believers may face today?

5. How does Paul's journey through the judicial system model endurance and patience in the face of adversity?

6. How does this chapter reflect the tension between politics and justice?

7. What does Festus's conversation with King Agrippa reveal about the intersection of faith and politics?

8. How can we apply Paul's courage and commitment to truth when we face trials or opposition?

9. What does the introduction to King Agrippa teach us about God's providence and the spread of the Gospel?

10. How does this chapter challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty in the midst of worldly systems?

11. What does this chapter teach us about staying true to our convictions, regardless of our circumstances?

12. How does the complexity of Paul's trial before Festus and Agrippa reflect the difficulties Christians may face in explaining their faith?

13. How does the predicament of Festus resonate with the struggle of many today to understand Christianity?

14. What does Paul's situation reveal about the importance of the resurrection in Christian theology?

15. In what ways does Acts 25 challenge us to view our adversities as opportunities?

16. How can Paul's perseverance inspire us to stay committed to our faith in times of personal trials?

17. What does the anticipation of Paul’s defense before King Agrippa teach us about trusting in God's plan?

18. How does Paul’s handling of his trials reflect on the call for Christians to be 'in' the world, but not 'of' the world?

19. How can we see God's sovereignty in the way Paul's case is escalated to higher Roman authorities?

20. How can we use our own positions, wherever they may be, to spread the Gospel as Paul did in his trial?