Same Old Accusations

As the false accusations pile up, Paul gets bold with the new governor, as Festus gets political in wanting to please his new audience. Paul ultimately decides to take his case to the top.

Read: Acts 25:1-12 (NLT)

Explore the Theme: Paul is being persecuted in Jerusalem and many Jews are raising up serious false claims against Paul. Paul, knowing that he is innocent, still submits to the law and chooses to appeal to Caesar. How deep of a hatred these Jews had towards Paul. Knowing these claims were false, what emotions stir in you? What do you think about Paul’s response to Festus?

Ask God: In the midst of injustice and serious persecution, Paul is still willing to be courageous stating that, “If I have done anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death.” Paul had absolute certainty that he hadn’t done anything worthy of death and he was willing to die if he had. Ask God to show you how to be bold in your convictions when you are under persecution. Also, ask God to give you a level head when people say things that aren’t true, not responding in anger, but in standing firm in your convictions.

Live it Out: If you struggle with the many injustices of the world, spend some time praying and asking God how he would be glorified in your responses. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. You as a Christian have access to these. If you are lacking, spend some time praying or asking your community group to pray for you so that you would be a person marked by the Holy Spirit.