Bearing Witness In Times of Difficulty

Acts 25

Despite the difficulties you face this side of eternity, know that it will be your opportunity to bear witness as it was for the Apostle Paul.

In all that happened, God was fulfilling His promise to Paul that he would witness before rulers and finally get to Rome to share Christ and plead on behalf of the Gentile nation. Being a prisoner and enduring the hearings were difficult for Paul, but he used his opportunities wisely. He believed Jesus’ words in Luke 21: “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
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Acts 25:2–4 (TESB): They had devised a similar plot two years ago, and it had resulted in Paul being transferred to Caesarea in the first place (see 23:12–30).

Once again, God was working behind the scenes to protect Paul from the murderous plans of the Jewish leaders. He was at work to take Paul far from their grasp—to stand before Caesar. No matter how grim your circumstances appear, do not forget the glorious truth that God is in control. Trust him to accomplish his will for your life as he sovereignly directs your path.

“Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.” Acts 25:1–5 (ESV)

Like his predecessor, Festus could find no reason to condemn Paul. Nevertheless, he had a province to run, and he wanted his constituents to be peaceable citizens. So as a favor to the Jews, he asked Paul if he’d be willing to stand trial in Jerusalem.

Festus tried to use Paul as a political pawn to win favor with the Jews. If he had succeeded and sent Paul to Jerusalem, the apostle would have been killed. Paul did the wise thing: he used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar.

“But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.” Acts 25:9–12 (ESV)

There are times when believers must use the law to protect themselves and the ministry. But now, Festus had a problem. How could he send Paul to Caesar when he had no charges against him that could be proved?

“So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.” Acts 25:23–27 (ESV)

God’s people sometimes are treated like the guilty even though they are innocent. Remember Joseph, David, Daniel, and Jeremiah, not to mention our Lord Jesus Christ.

How about you? Have you ever been accused of something you never did? How did you feel? Did you pay the consequences?
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Remember today that despite ill treatment or false accusations, your actions will be a testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ. Also remember, that His ultimate Will will be accomplished as He is a Sovereign God who has His people’s best interests at heart.

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