Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation. Paul faces relentless accusations and legal challenges, but he chooses truth and integrity, trusting in God throughout political and religious strife. Through his example and the teachings of Jesus, we learn to withstand opposition without holding grudges, to forgive others, and to rejoice in trials, knowing our reward is in heaven. Believers must stay faithful, study the Word, and judge by spiritual fruit, not rumors.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Audio
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 25:1-12, Acts 25:13-22, Acts 25:23-27, Acts 25:1-5, Acts 25:6-7, Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 5:10-11, Luke 6:22-23, Acts 25:8, Acts 25:9, Acts 25:10-12, Acts 25:13-14, Acts 25:15-19, Acts 25:19,
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Introduction to Acts Chapter 25
We continue our study in Acts chapter 25. There are three more chapters left after this. Acts chapter 25 has 27 verses. However, we will only focus on the first 22 verses in this lesson. The chapter centers on one main topic—Paul’s testimony before Festus. After that, Festus tells Agrippa about Paul.
There is not much material to analyze or write about this time. Still, I expect this study to be interesting and enjoyable. We will gather in the house of the Lord, unite our spirits, praise, worship, and express our love for Him as we learn together.
Our focus is on Paul’s testimony before Festus. We will also see how Festus presents Paul’s case to Agrippa. We are ending today at verse 22 and will pick up with verse 23 next week, when Paul appears before Agrippa.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Background and Setting
To overview, Felix was governor before Festus, but Festus has now taken his place. Palestine is in turmoil, not just because of Christianity, but mostly due to the conflict between Jews and Romans. Spiritually speaking, it’s like Babylon and the beast. When Festus takes office, the Jews quickly bring up Paul’s case. Paul has been held in prison for two years, and time hasn’t changed anything. The Jews still bring accusations against Paul, reopening his case and spreading lies about him.
Paul defends himself, saying he has not broken the law, offended the temple, or wronged Caesar. Festus, who represents the political system, is interested in doing the religious leaders a favor. Politicians often want support from religious groups. Paul, however, chooses to appeal to Caesar. He would rather be judged by the Romans—“the beast”—than by the Jews.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Agrippa and Bernice visit Festus during this time. Agrippa is knowledgeable in religion and has his own small kingdom. Festus shares Paul’s story with Agrippa but admits he thinks it all sounds like superstition. As I reflect on this, I notice that today many people see religious activity or beliefs as mere superstition. We see different groups arguing over truth while the rest of the world just stands by and labels the whole thing as superstition.
Emotional Response and Teaching Purpose
This chapter makes me sad. There is division, accusation, and misunderstanding. The world looks on and sees only confusion and superstition. I don’t have an easy answer. All I know is that, in the midst of this turmoil, we must continue to teach and preach the truth.
My Outline
Paul’s testimony before Festus Acts 25:1-12
Festus declares Paul’s case unto King Agrippa Acts 25:13-22
Paul brought before Festus Acts 25:23-27
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
The Role of Governors and Political Change
Let’s look at verses one through twelve. Festus is now governor. Felix was the governor before him. The city of Caesarea was the capital of Palestine. Felix had put Paul in prison during his term. Now Festus has taken over.
There was a conflict between the Romans and the Jews. Felix tried to control the situation, but his actions led to some Jews being killed. The Jews complained to Caesar about Felix, and as a result, Felix was removed from office. This pattern happens even today. Religious groups can influence politics. A politician will not last if he loses the trust of the religious world. If he gets their favor, he will likely stay in office. Historically, the church has played a significant role in political decision-making.
Festus was seen as more noble than Felix, but still faced unrest. The relationships between Jews, Romans, and Gentiles were unstable. Felix used force, and it cost many lives, so Festus was brought in to replace him. Even Festus could not resolve the conflict, and Jerusalem was eventually destroyed in AD 70, as Jesus had predicted.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
The Unrelenting Accusation Against Paul
When Festus took office, the Jews immediately brought up Paul’s case again. Paul had already spent two years in prison, but the Jews had not forgotten or forgiven him. They were determined to see him punished. The Jews kept urging Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem and planned to kill him on the way. As we see, religion often uses politics to achieve its goals. The Jews’ plans showed how persistent and cunning religious leaders can be. They wanted Festus to act for them, plotting to ambush and murder Paul under the cover of legal proceedings.
Acts 25:1-5
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Let’s look at a couple of verses in Acts 25. When Festus arrived in the province, he traveled from Caesarea to Jerusalem after three days. The high priest and other Jewish leaders quickly approached him. They asked Festus for a favor. They wanted Paul to be sent to Jerusalem, planning to ambush and kill him along the way.
Festus’ Refusal and Paul’s Situation
Festus refused their request. He decided Paul should stay in Caesarea. Festus told them they could come with him and bring any charges against Paul if they had a case. The Jews’ plot was clear. They wanted a murderous ambush. Their intention was not justice, but to see Paul’s death on his way from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
Paul had already spent two years in prison due to Felix. Festus stepped into a difficult situation. His role modeled the political system. Festus cared little for religious matters but wanted to keep the religious leaders satisfied. Politicians, then and now, often seek favor from religious groups. Their position can depend on that support.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Something else stands out. The religious leaders were filled with lasting hatred. Time did not lessen it. If someone with a religious mind decides to hate, they may never forgive or forget. These leaders held on for years. Still, after all that time, they planned to ambush Paul. Many people, even today, refuse to forgive or forget old grudges. They gather with their group, ready to attack with words or actions whenever they can. That is what these Jewish leaders did to Paul.
Last week, we talked about Second Corinthians five, verses seventeen through twenty-one. I want to remind you about the ministry of reconciliation. We are called to help others make peace with God. We do this by not keeping a record of their wrongs. The Greek word for “imputing” is logizomai. It means keeping a log or keeping an inventory.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
“Hit Lists” and Christian Forgiveness
The Jews, in this story, kept their own “hit list” against Paul. They never forgave or forgot. Every chance they got, they tried to go after him. We are not supposed to live like that, but many Christians do. They hold grudges for years. Some people keep a hit list deep in their heart. When the chance comes, they join their friends and attack those they dislike. First John says, if a person claims to love God but hates his brother, then he is a liar. If you carry bitterness, you need to get rid of it. Let the Holy Ghost burn it out.
It is sad when religious people allow hate and anger to remain, year after year. We learned from Second Corinthians that our ministry is to forgive, not to keep records of others’ wrongs. Too many people still hold grudges, just like the Jews lying in wait for Paul. They gather their group and attack with their words. I call on you—if you have a hit list, destroy it.
When the Jews accused Paul, they tried to bring up anything that might be wickedness. The word used here means something improper or wicked. Festus did not want to stay in Jerusalem. He moved quickly to Caesarea and called for those with accusations to present their case. After about ten days, Festus sat as judge over Paul.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Acts 25:6-7
False Accusations Against Paul
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
The accusers brought their charges again, but their complaints were just burdens—lies without evidence. The religious system is often full of such lies that it cannot prove. One reason I am in ministry is to challenge and disprove these kinds of falsehoods.
But I want you to think about yourself for a moment. What do you do when someone lies about you? How do you respond when others say false things? Do you keep a record of it? Does their lie become something you hold onto?
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Let’s look at our reactions honestly. Some may react with anger or even want to fight back. That’s a normal, human response. But the Bible in Matthew chapter five teaches us a better way. When we respond to lies and mistreatment, we need to examine our hearts and ask if our reaction comes from a spirit of love or from our carnal nature. If it’s the latter, then we are called to overcome it and respond as Christ taught us.
Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus’ Teaching on Persecution
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Let’s look at what Jesus said in Matthew chapter five, verses ten and eleven.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Matthew 5:10-11
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
He said we are blessed when we are persecuted for righteousness. The kingdom of heaven belongs to us. Jesus also said we are blessed when people insult us, persecute us, or spread lies about us for His sake.
Rejoicing Through Trials
Jesus told us to rejoice and be glad in those moments. Our reward in heaven will be great. The prophets before us were also treated this way. But let’s be honest—do we react with joy when people lie about us? Are we truly glad? Usually, we do not. Often, we get angry or want to strike back. It’s a common, human reaction.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Luke’s Teaching on Persecution
Now, let’s see what Luke teaches us. In chapter six, verses twenty-two and twenty-three, Luke also tells us how we should respond when people hate or exclude us for the sake of Jesus.
Luke 6:22-23
22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Jesus said we are blessed when people hate us. Blessed means happy and spiritually prosperous. If people exclude us, insult us, or speak evil about us for the Son of Man’s sake, we are blessed.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
There is a lot of lying and slander in the world. Often, people speak evil about others, but it’s not really for the sake of Jesus. Sometimes, it’s because of decisions we made ourselves. Still, we have to ask ourselves how we respond. How do we act when persecution comes?
Luke tells us to rejoice and leap for joy on such days. That’s not our natural reaction. We usually feel hurt or want to fight back. It’s an emotional, carnal response. It’s normal to feel that at first, but we have to work through it and choose joy.
Personal Testimony
I’ve had those moments. It hurt at first when someone insulted or lied about me. My first reaction wasn’t joy. Yet, when I realized what scripture said, I could praise God and see that I was sharing in what the prophets experienced.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Acts 25:8
Paul’s Defense Before Festus
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
Paul answered for himself in verse eight. He said he had done nothing against Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar. The word “offended” means to miss the mark, to err, or to sin. Paul insisted that he had not sinned.
The Jews had a problem with Paul because he taught things differently. He had a deeper understanding of God’s message, but his teaching offended them. Paul’s revelation was greater because he knew the Messiah had already come, while the Jews were still waiting.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Paul chose not to return to their views, and that angered them. They persecuted him for it. The same thing happens today. Many in the religious world still focus only on salvation and on receiving the Holy Spirit in baptism. But God is doing more. He is calling us to mature and become the perfect man, a body of believers who follow Christ fully.
Moving Beyond the Basics
We have to decide which group we want to be with. Will we settle for just salvation and baptism, or will we move forward and grow in God’s purpose for us? The Word is opening up new understanding, and God wants us to mature, not just remain at the basics.
Paul’s revelation was much deeper than that of the Jews. Today, New Testament ministries also have a more profound revelation than the old order. It’s not enough to stay at the basics. God calls us to grow up, not simply go up.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
The Jews misunderstood Paul. They thought he had sinned or erred because he taught things differently. Paul knew that the Messiah had already come. The Jews were still waiting, but Paul understood and preached something new.
Many in today’s religious world refuse to see that God is working in new ways. They accuse New Testament ministries of missing the mark. But these ministries actually understand God’s current purpose better. Some people focus on “going up,” but God wants us to “grow up.” The religious world may blame the devil for their mistakes, but God tells us to take responsibility for our own hearts.
Call to Spiritual Growth
There is more to God than basic salvation, baptism, or speaking in tongues. God is bringing together a people who mature spiritually. Paul also talked about the temple. The Jews viewed the temple as a building, but Paul taught that God’s Spirit lives in us. We are the temple, not a physical structure. You can only affect your body—the true temple of the Holy Ghost—not the building made of brick and stone. Paul made it clear that he had not offended the temple.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
The third point Paul makes is this: he has not offended Caesar. By now, you should understand that Caesar represents the beast. He is a symbol for the world’s system and government.
There are several scriptures about Caesar and the beast. For example, Matthew 22 says, “Whose is this image and superscription?” Mark 12 and Luke 20 also repeat that question. We discussed last Sunday that we are always accepting either God’s mark or the beast’s mark.
Jesus said we should give to Caesar—the beast—what belongs to him, and give to God what belongs to God. The things marked with Caesar’s image are his. The beast’s goal is to rule through government. We must recognize the difference and choose what we render to each. Paul makes it clear he has not done anything against Caesar or the world system.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Acts 25:9
Festus Seeks Favor from the Jews
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor. He asked Paul if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and be judged by the Sanhedrin. When Festus took over from Felix, Felix was removed because the Jews complained about him. It still happens today—politicians are often forced out if the religious world is against them.
This pattern is not new. Politicians need the church’s vote to stay in office. If they lose that support, their political career is in trouble. Festus represents the beast system. Today, the beast needs the harlot church, so he lets her ride, as described in Revelation 17. Every politician wants the church’s vote because it can make or break him.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Revelation 17 says the harlot rides the beast, but there will come a time when the beast turns against the harlot. The world system will one day destroy the religious system. That’s precisely what happened in ancient Rome, and it’s coming again in today’s religious world.
Acts 25:10-12
Paul Appeals to Caesar
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
Paul says, “I appeal to Caesar.” He did not want to go back and face the religious Jews. Paul would rather be judged by the world’s system than by religion. That might seem strange at first, but think about it—who would you want to judge you?
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
If you mess up, the world might criticize you, but it generally leaves you alone. If you share your mistake with religious people, word can spread quickly, and judgment is harsh. Religion can be cruel and relentless. It rarely forgives, as we’ve seen with Paul, who was held for two years.
I feel the same way as Paul. I would rather be judged by unbelievers than by religion. Religious people have a reputation for being unforgiving. If a religious leader makes a mistake, the punishment can be severe. Sometimes, you might get more mercy in a bar than in a church.
Crucifixion and True Christianity
Religion crucified Jesus, and it can crucify others, too. That’s why it’s so important to know the difference between religion, superstition, and true Christianity. All through Acts, we see the contrast. Religion and superstition are harsh, but authentic Christianity is filled with mercy and love. This is the heart of what Acts is teaching us.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Festus Brings Paul’s Case to Agrippa
Let’s move on. This is where Festus brings Paul’s case before Agrippa. First, Agrippa is the son of Herod Agrippa I. In Acts chapter 12, Herod Agrippa I was responsible for James’s death and for putting Peter in prison. Now his son, Agrippa, and Agrippa’s sister Bernice, are visiting Festus, the new governor.
Agrippa ruled a small kingdom northeast of Caesarea. He was famous for his knowledge of the Jewish religion. I see a lot of people today who are like Agrippa. They have their own small kingdoms. They know everything about religion and Christianity. Also, they build up their own ministries and gather support from believers all over.
People send money and resources to these “kingdoms.” You know who I’m talking about—they are easy to spot. These people have their own little empires, and I think most of us have seen this before. I’ll leave the subject at that for now.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Acts 25:13-14
Festus Explains Paul’s Case to Agrippa
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
Now let me explain how Festus presented Paul’s case to King Agrippa. Festus saw both the old and new order in this situation. He had inherited Paul’s case from Felix, who left Paul in prison. Festus saw it as something handed down. He could have thought it was not really his problem, but it was his responsibility.
The problems we face today often come from those before us. Still, we cannot ignore them—we must deal with them.
The Jews in Jerusalem wanted judgment. They wanted Paul dead. This is important—they often attack anyone teaching New Testament ministry. Their goal was to stop those bringing new truth. Festus addressed the Jewish leaders, saying Paul had rights. He recognized, at least formally, that Paul deserved a proper hearing and respect as a Roman citizen.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Acts 25:15-19
The Roman Approach to Justice
15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Point four is that Paul appeared before Festus to be judged. The Jews wanted to accuse him, but they had no truthful charges. Their accusations were based on superstition and religious ideas, not on objective evidence.
Festus saw these complaints for what they were. He believed the Jews were only being superstitious. That is how many people view Christianity today—as superstition. The word for superstition means religion.
Understanding Superstition
The Amplified Bible even says the Jews had points of controversy about their beliefs, calling them superstition. That word appears in Acts 17, when Paul spoke on Mars Hill. He said, “I perceive that you are too superstitious,” which really means “too religious.”
Jesus never told us to have religion; He said to have faith. We should remember that our walk is about faith, not religious superstition.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Acts 25:19
19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
Verse nineteen mentions that Paul kept talking about Jesus. Paul said Jesus was dead, but now He is alive. The Amplified Bible says Paul kept repeating that Jesus, though dead, is now alive. That was the heart of his message.
Festus’ Summary of the Situation
When Paul appealed to go to Caesar, Festus summarized the whole situation as superstition. Festus did not respect Judaism, but he did not believe Paul either. Religion seemed to him like superstition. I remember a friend asking if, two thousand years from now, people would see our faith as just superstition. Many people today look at both the old order and the new order faith and see only superstition.
Festus made an assumption about Paul and the Jews. He saw it all as controversy and superstition. I am concerned that some people still only see religious debate and call it superstition. There is another way.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Some people react intensely to faith. Felix trembled when Paul spoke about judgment. Agrippa, later, told Paul he was almost persuaded. Faith affected some, but not Festus. He did not open the scriptures or seek a more profound truth. He chose to label it all as superstition.
If Festus had read the scriptures and searched for truth, his perspective would have changed. We need to search out the word of God for ourselves. Don’t just accept what I teach; let me make you think, but then go study and settle it in your own heart. Only then will you see the difference between truth and superstition. Faith is personal. It’s important to know and read the word yourself. That is how your faith becomes real and strong.
The Danger of Second-Hand Faith
Many people are confused today because they listen to many voices. They hear teachings on the radio and television. They follow popular preachers without studying the Bible for themselves. This leads to doubt and sometimes to thinking it’s all just superstition. The answer is simple—get into the Word yourself. Study daily and be like the noble Thessalonians, who searched the scriptures to prove what was true.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Another essential principle is to watch how people live. Jesus taught us to judge by the fruit of a person’s life, not by what they say. A tree is known by its fruit, not its words. It’s easy to be impressed by a preacher’s style, but we must look for evidence in their actions. Television ministries are sometimes challenging, because you can only hear them—you can’t see how they live or what fruit they produce.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Let me close with a final thought. Acts 25 mentions many people—Caesar, Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, Paul, and Jesus. These same kinds of people exist in the world today. Some are powerful rulers, some are politicians who want to please others, and some build their own kingdoms of influence. There are still faithful ministers teaching New Testament truth, and there are true Jesus people who love Him deeply.
The question for us is personal. Are those types in me? Do I let my opinions rule like Caesar? Or, am I skeptical like Festus? Do I build up my own little religious kingdom like Agrippa and Bernice? Am I truly serving like Paul, or loving like Jesus? All these influences exist in society, but they also fight for control in our hearts. The key is to surrender everything to Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let Him rule in us above all else.
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Before we end, let me share my final thoughts. I wasn’t satisfied with the job I did preparing for this chapter at first. I didn’t feel like I got as much out of it as I wanted. But as I continued, I realized that all the different characters we studied—Caesar, Festus, the Jews, Agrippa, Bernice, Paul, and Jesus—are not just historical figures. They represent attitudes and choices that exist today and even within each of us.
Modern Application
Look around the world and you will see “Caesars” and political systems like Festus. There are people focused on religion and rules, just like the Jews. Some, like Agrippa and Bernice, pursue their own knowledge or build their own little kingdoms. There are also Pauls—those committed to New Testament ministry—and those who genuinely love Jesus and believe He is alive.
But how many of these are in me? Do I let my own ego rule like Caesar, or become stuck in legalism like the Jews? Am I skeptical like Festus? Am I trying to build up my own influence like Agrippa or Bernice? Or, am I truly ministering as Paul did? And most importantly, is Jesus the focus of my life above everything else?
Acts Series Chapter 25: How to Persevere Through Accusation
Our Highest Calling
I believe that each person can see a little bit of all these characters in themselves. But in the end, being a Jesus person is what matters most. Jesus must be more important than anything, even than Paul. I am confident that we are all striving to be Jesus people, and that is the best thing we can do together, right here and now. Amen. Lord, we praise you and we love you.
Acts Series Chapter 25 Audio
Acts Series Chapter 25 Audio
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