Acts in 28 DaysSample

Acts 25:1-26

At various points in our lives, we will encounter challenging times that seem beyond our control. It's not easy to navigate through hardships, especially ones we wouldn't willingly choose, and yet, these trials can be opportunities for followers of Jesus to reach others in ways we never would have imagined.

At the beginning of today's chapter, Paul has been unfairly imprisoned for two years. However, we do not see him sulking or seeking revenge. Paul defends himself once again with a clear conscience before his accusers, who have no evidence against him. Felix was supposed to have released him when he initially stood trial, but he had been more interested in pleasing the Jewish leaders. Festus, the new leader, also tries to appease the religious leaders by sending Paul to be tried in Jerusalem. Paul, knowing this would surely end in his death, appeals to Caesar. This was a right that every Roman citizen had; if he believed that he had been treated unfairly, he could ask to be tried in the emperor's court in Rome. This was a relief for Festus, who was freed from the responsibility of judging this case. But he still had one more task to do: send a letter to Caesar explaining what Paul was accused of, and for this, he asked for the advice of King Agrippa. Paul is going to have the opportunity to share the gospel with even more people!

We see that Paul's tribulations allowed him to testify for Christ before various authorities, and finally before Caesar himself, just as God had told him would happen. If we could choose, most of us would opt for an easy life without trials or tribulations over illnesses, accidents, pain, and suffering. But sometimes, God allows these things to happen because He has a plan. Paul was confident in God's plan. He would have liked to go to Rome as a free man, but even as a prisoner, God used him to speak for Him.

GO DEEP

Think about some trials that you have gone through or are going through. Reflect on the fact that this may be part of God’s plan for you and that He will be with you all the way. What difference does that make to how you respond in tough times?

BE BOLD

Be prepared for hardships, to endure them with faith and trust in the Lord. Your initial response may be sadness, anger, or disappointment, but you can take all those feelings to God. Ask Him to show you His will for your life and to use you to influence those around you.

MEMORISE IT

“If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” - Acts 25:11