Acts 25:19

They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

Study Bible

They only had a dispute
The phrase "They only had a dispute" indicates a legal or theological disagreement. The Greek word for "dispute" is "zētēma," which often refers to a controversial question or debate. In the context of Acts, this highlights the nature of the conflict between Paul and the Jewish leaders, which was not about civil law but about religious interpretation and belief. This underscores the early Christian experience of being misunderstood and misrepresented by both Jewish and Roman authorities.

with him
The "him" refers to the Apostle Paul, who was central to the spread of Christianity in the first century. Paul's background as a Pharisee and his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) made him a unique and controversial figure. His teachings often challenged traditional Jewish beliefs, leading to frequent disputes.

about their own religion
The phrase "about their own religion" points to the Jewish faith, which was the context for the dispute. The Greek word "thrēskeia" is used here, which can mean religion, worship, or religious practice. This highlights the internal nature of the conflict, as it was not about Roman law but about interpretations of Jewish law and prophecy, particularly concerning the Messiah.

and about a certain Jesus
The mention of "a certain Jesus" refers to Jesus of Nazareth, whose life, death, and resurrection are central to Christian belief. The use of "certain" in this context may reflect the Roman governor Festus's unfamiliarity with Jesus, indicating that Jesus was not widely known outside Jewish circles at the time. This also emphasizes the early stage of Christianity's spread beyond Jewish communities.

who had died
The phrase "who had died" acknowledges the historical fact of Jesus' crucifixion, a central event in Christian theology. The death of Jesus is crucial because it is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the means of atonement for sin. The acknowledgment of Jesus' death by both Jewish and Roman authorities lends historical credibility to the Gospel accounts.

but whom Paul affirmed to be alive
The phrase "but whom Paul affirmed to be alive" is a declaration of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The Greek word "zōnta" (alive) is used here, emphasizing the belief in Jesus' bodily resurrection. Paul's affirmation is based on his personal encounter with the risen Christ and is a testimony to the transformative power of the resurrection. This belief was radical and counter-cultural, challenging both Jewish and Roman worldviews and serving as the foundation for the hope and mission of the early Church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who is on trial, accused by Jewish leaders of crimes against their law and the temple. He is a central figure in the spread of Christianity and a key witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

2. Festus
The Roman governor who succeeded Felix. He is trying to understand the charges against Paul and is perplexed by the religious nature of the accusations.

3. Jewish Leaders
They are accusing Paul of offenses against their religious laws and customs, particularly concerning the resurrection of Jesus.

4. Jesus
Central to the dispute, Jesus is the one whom Paul claims is alive, despite having been crucified. This claim is foundational to Christian belief.

5. Caesarea
The location where Paul is being held and where Festus is hearing the case. It is a significant Roman administrative center.

Teaching Points

The Centrality of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a theological point but the cornerstone of Christian faith. It validates Jesus' claims and promises eternal life to believers.

Understanding Religious Disputes
Festus’ confusion highlights the challenge of understanding spiritual truths from a secular perspective. Christians should be prepared to explain their faith clearly and respectfully.

The Role of Witnessing
Paul’s unwavering testimony about Jesus’ resurrection serves as a model for Christians to boldly share their faith, even in the face of opposition.

Faith Beyond Reason
The resurrection challenges human logic and reason, inviting believers to trust in God’s power and promises beyond what is seen or understood.

Engaging with Authority
Paul’s respectful engagement with Roman authorities demonstrates the importance of maintaining integrity and respect when dealing with secular powers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Paul’s defense of the resurrection in Acts 25:19 inspire you to share your faith with others?

2. In what ways can you prepare to explain the significance of the resurrection to someone unfamiliar with Christian beliefs?

3. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your daily life and decisions?

4. What can we learn from Paul’s approach to dealing with secular authorities when our faith is challenged?

5. How do other scriptures, like 1 Corinthians 15, deepen your understanding of the resurrection and its importance in the Christian faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15
Paul’s detailed explanation of the resurrection, affirming the core Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead, which is the crux of the dispute in Acts 25:19.

Philippians 3:10-11
Paul expresses his desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, highlighting the personal and transformative impact of this belief.

Romans 1:4
Paul declares Jesus to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead, underscoring the divine validation of Jesus’ identity and mission.