◄ Acts 25:27 ►
For it seems unreasonable to me to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him."
Study Bible
For it seems unreasonable to me
This phrase reflects the personal judgment of the Roman governor, Festus. The Greek word for "unreasonable" is "ἄλογον" (alogon), which can also mean irrational or absurd. Festus, as a Roman official, was bound by Roman legal standards, which required clear charges to be presented against an accused person. This highlights the Roman commitment to legal procedure and justice, which was a significant aspect of their governance. The phrase underscores the importance of fairness and due process, principles that resonate with the biblical call for justice and righteousness.

to send on a prisoner
The term "prisoner" here refers to Paul, who was being held in custody. The Greek word "δέσμιος" (desmios) indicates someone who is bound or in chains. This reflects Paul's physical state but also serves as a metaphor for his spiritual mission. Despite being a prisoner, Paul was spiritually free and continued to spread the Gospel. This juxtaposition of physical imprisonment and spiritual freedom is a recurring theme in Paul's writings and serves as an inspiration for believers facing trials and tribulations.

without specifying the charges against him
The necessity of specifying charges is a fundamental aspect of justice, both in Roman law and in biblical principles. The Greek word for "charges" is "αἰτία" (aitia), meaning cause or accusation. In the historical context, Roman law required that specific accusations be made before a trial could proceed. This requirement reflects the biblical principle found in Deuteronomy 19:15, which emphasizes the need for evidence and witnesses in legal matters. The absence of clear charges against Paul highlights the baseless nature of the accusations from the Jewish leaders and underscores the integrity of Paul's mission. This serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and justice in all aspects of life, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith even when falsely accused.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is imprisoned and awaiting trial. He is a central figure in the spread of Christianity and is known for his missionary journeys and epistles.

2. Festus
The Roman governor who succeeded Felix. He is responsible for overseeing Paul's trial and is trying to understand the charges against Paul.

3. Agrippa
King Agrippa II, who is visiting Festus. He is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and laws, and Festus seeks his counsel regarding Paul.

4. Caesarea
The location where Paul is being held and where Festus and Agrippa are discussing his case.

5. Charges Against Paul
The Jewish leaders have accused Paul of offenses against their law, the temple, and Caesar, but Festus finds these charges unclear and insufficient for a Roman trial.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Justice and Clarity
Festus's statement underscores the necessity of clear and just legal proceedings. As Christians, we should advocate for justice and transparency in all areas of life.

God's Sovereignty in Legal Matters
Despite the unclear charges, God uses these circumstances to fulfill His purposes, allowing Paul to testify before rulers. Trust in God's sovereignty even when situations seem unjust or unclear.

The Role of Christian Witness
Paul's situation provides an opportunity for him to witness to high-ranking officials. We should be prepared to share our faith in all circumstances, trusting God to use our testimony for His glory.

Understanding and Respecting Authority
Festus seeks Agrippa's counsel, showing respect for his knowledge. Christians should respect and seek wisdom from authorities and those with greater understanding, especially in complex situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Festus's handling of Paul's case reflect the importance of justice and clarity in legal matters, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does Paul's situation demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us when facing our own trials?

3. How can we prepare ourselves to be effective witnesses for Christ, as Paul was, in both favorable and unfavorable circumstances?

4. What can we learn from Festus's decision to consult Agrippa about seeking wisdom and counsel from others, especially in challenging situations?

5. How do the events in Acts 25:27 connect with the broader theme of Christian suffering and testimony found in 1 Peter 3:15-16, and how can this perspective shape our response to personal challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 23:29
This verse highlights that the charges against Paul were related to questions of Jewish law, not crimes deserving death or imprisonment, similar to Festus's dilemma.

Acts 26:31-32
After hearing Paul's defense, Agrippa and Festus agree that Paul has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment, reinforcing the lack of clear charges.

1 Peter 3:15-16
Encourages believers to be ready to give a defense for their faith, as Paul does, with gentleness and respect, maintaining a clear conscience.
Sermons
Agrippa and BerniceDean Plumptre.Acts 25:13-27
Face to FaceActs 25:13-27
Paul Before Princes and RulersK. Gerok.Acts 25:13-27
Paul in the Presence of King AgrippaR.A. Redford Acts 25:13-27
Paul's Introduction to AgrippaD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 25:13-27
The Blindness of Mere Worldly Education in Matters of Christian TruthK. Gerok.Acts 25:13-27
The Judgment of Worldly Men Concerning Matters of FaithLisco.Acts 25:13-27
The Principles of a Sound AdministrationK. Gerok.Acts 25:13-27
Worldly Judgment on Religious MattersE. Johnson Acts 25:13-27
How the Christian is Regarded by the WorldJ. W. Burn.Acts 25:22-27
Motives for HearingK. Gerok.Acts 25:22-27
Power, Degeneracy, and ConsecrationW. Clarkson Acts 25:22-27
The Audience Chamber of CaesareaK. Gerok.Acts 25:22-27
The Vanity of Regal PompActs 25:22-27
The Voluptuary's Desire for a New SensationH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 25:22-27
The Worth of Worldly GloryA. Farindon.Acts 25:22-27
People
Agrippa, Augustus, Bernice, Felix, Festus, Paul
Places
Caesarea, Jerusalem
Topics
Absurd, Charges, Clear, Crimes, Indicate, Irrational, Laid, Making, Prisoner, Reason, Rome, Seem, Seemeth, Seems, Sending, Senseless, Signify, Specify, Specifying, State, Unreasonable, Withal
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 25:25

     5305   empires
     8277   innocence

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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