Acts 25

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-12

  • Again, as we saw in the previous chapters, the Jews accused Paul of many things, but Paul had in no way violated any laws of the land or of the Jews. 

    • Be as submissive to the laws of the authorities in your country (1 Peter 2:13-17).

  • Verses 11-12. Because Jesus has revealed to Paul that he must go up to Rome, to be judged there, Paul asked to be sent there as a prisoner, even though he could have been freed sooner (Acts 28:17-18).

    • So Paul was willing continually to inconvenience himself and remain a prisoner, in order to gain the opportunity to speak in Rome. He didn't care if he came to Rome as a prisoner. What mattered was that he went in obedience to God. 

    • Be obedient to God, and don't worry about the discomforts that might come with being obedient!

 

Verses 13-27

  • Paul's innocence combined with the senseless bitterness of the Jews, against Paul, made it difficult for the Roman authorities to specify the charges against him. 

    • And so, Paul was brought before more and more leaders, both Jewish and Roman (now King Herod Agrippa), and therefore he was given more opportunities to preach the gospel to people he never could have. 

  • Being blameless, and yet being hated, is both intriguing and puzzling to authorities, and this brings opportunities. 

    • Be blameless, and you won't be afraid of accusation or judgment. Instead, see such as an opportunity to speak about the faith in front of leaders!