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Acts 25

27 verses

TL;DR

Paul appeals to Caesar in Acts 25 while Festus and King Agrippa hear his case in Caesarea, illustrating Roman judicial procedure and Jewish accusations.

Summary

Festus arrives in Caesarea after a brief stay in Jerusalem, where Jewish leaders inform him of their desire to see Paul executed. Festus allows Paul to remain in Caesarea and offers him a chance to defend himself, but the accusations are unsubstantiated. Paul declares his right to appeal to Caesar and refuses to be handed over to the Jews, prompting Festus to decide to send him to Rome. King Agrippa and his sister Bernice then visit Caesarea; Festus reports Paul’s case to them and they agree to hear him. During the hearing, the Jewish accusers present no serious charges, only theological objections. Festus, noting that Paul has committed no crime worthy of death and has already appealed to Caesar, resolves to send him to Rome and requests further instructions from the emperor.

Outline
  1. Festus ascends Caesarea, Jewish accusations, and Festus' decision to keep Paul
  2. Paul appeals to Caesar and Festus’ judicial handling
  3. Agrippa and Bernice’s arrival, hearing, and Festus’ final determination
Themes
Roman legal procedureInteraction between Jewish authorities and Roman governancePaul’s steadfast faith and appeal to divine authority
Keywords
PaulFestusCaesarAgrippaBerniceJerusalemCaesareaappealRoman lawJewish accusationsChristian faith
People
PaulFestusKing AgrippaBernicehigh priestchief of the Jewschief priestselders of the Jews
Places
CaesareaJerusalem
Things
Caesarea’s judgment seatappeal to CaesarRoman lawChristian faith
Key Verses
  • Acts 25:10: Paul asserts his right to appeal to Caesar and refuses to be handed to the Jews.
  • Acts 25:11: Paul emphasizes his innocence and willingness to die if guilty.
  • Acts 25:12: Festus confirms that Paul will go to Caesar, showing Roman procedural norms.
  • Acts 25:15: Festus explains Roman custom of allowing the accused to face accusers before trial.
  • Acts 25:20: Festus questions the accusations’ nature and decides to send Paul to Caesar.
  • Acts 25:24: Festus reports the lack of serious charges against Paul to King Agrippa.
Questions
  • Why does Paul insist on appealing to Caesar rather than facing Jewish judgment?
  • What does Festus’ explanation reveal about Roman legal procedures?
  • How might King Agrippa’s presence influence the proceedings?
  • What is the significance of the accusations being more theological than criminal?
  • How does Paul’s stance reflect early Christian identity?
  • What implications does the lack of substantive charges have for the credibility of Jewish accusations?
Sentiment

neutral
The narrative presents procedural legal tension without overt emotional bias.