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.