Acts 25:23

Acts 25:23 - The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience with the high ranking officers and leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

When Festus took over as governor Paul had already been in prison for at least two years. As new Governor Festus did not know all the details of why the Jews wanted Paul dead, so he brought him before them at Caesarea to stand trial. All the chief priests and Jewish leaders were trying to figure out a way to kill Paul, but there accusation did not hold any truth. To keep from being sent back to Jerusalem Paul appealed to Caesar.

As a Roman citizen he had the right to stand before Caesar, so Festus granted his request. Meanwhile, while waiting to be transferred, Paul was left in prison. Then king Agrippa and Bernice came to pay their respects to the new governor. Intrigued by Paul’s story, they asked to hear him speak. Festus granted their request and brought Paul before them.

At first glance it is hard to see how this story relates to us. Think about Paul’s situation, though. He’s in prison and has been for quite some time. He just stood on trial before the governor and now has to wait until he can be sent to Rome.

Now he has an opportunity that he would not have gotten in normal circumstances. God opens the door for him to share his story and the story of Jesus with a king and all the high ranking officers and leading men of the city.

This is a reminder to us to always be prepared. The Word says be prepared in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). You never know when a door might be opened to you to share your story of Jesus. Always be ready and God will give you opportunity.

Acts 24:14

Acts 24:14 - However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.

Paul was on trial before Felix, the governor. Some of the Jewish elders and a lawyer named Tertullus had come with Paul to stand before Felix to present their case against him. Tertullus had just finished accusing Paul of being a ringleader and troublemaker who stirred up riots and even tried to desecrate the temple. Now it is time for Paul to speak.

As he began he first gave honor to Felix, acknowledging his position of authority. Then he continued on to make his defense. He spoke of how the accusations were not true and how he believed in the Law and the Prophets, just like his accusers. Paul knew the Word of God well. He had been born and raised a Pharisee and it had been drilled into him from a very young age.

Now, as he makes his defense he is able to use the Word to support his case. God’s Word is our only constant in an ever changing world. We know that God is “the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)” and that “heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).” That is why it is so important for us as believers to read the Word daily. David writes, blessed is the man who meditates day and night on the Word (Psalm 1:1-2).

As we get into the Word we get to know God better. That is the most important reason to read it. It describes Him and tells us who He is. It also gives us the ammunition to fight off the attacks of the enemy. When Jesus was being tempted by Satan He used scripture to overcome him. Also, as in Paul’s case here we will be able to use it in witnessing and in our defense. The Holy Spirit will bring it to our remembrance when we need it (John 14:26). Make a commitment to get into His Word and meditate on it.