Acts 25 - Paul Before Festus and Agrippa II

LINK: Acts 25

BACKGROUND

Porcius Festus was the Roman procurator in Judea from A.D. 58-62. The Jews had no case, but they sought to have Paul brought from Caesarea to Jerusalem so that they could ambush him. Again, allegations were made, and Paul denied them and appealed to Caesar (Nero, A.D. 54-68). Being a citizen of Rome, he was in his right to demand this. Consequently, Festus had no alternative but to transfer his case to Rome, but he brought him to Agrippa II to help him understand how to charge Paul.

Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I (12:1) and great-grandson of Herod the Great (Matthew 2:1, the Herod who was visited by the Magi and had all the baby boys slaughtered). Agrippa II was about 30 years old and ruled the territory northeast of Palestine. He had an incestuous relationship with his sister, Bernice.

APPLICATION

Could you make a defense to account for the hope that is within you? Your testimony is a good place to start because no one can deny the truth of your experience with the living God (Revelation 12:11). 

Share your story with someone. If it is too scary to share it with a person who does not follow Jesus, do it with a person who does. 

Try making it "taper to ten" minutes because you do not know how much time people have, and there will be more time for expanding upon it as you get to know the person and share more of your life in Christ with them. 

PRAYER

Lord, help us to always to be ready to make a defense for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). Amen.