ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2

Tuesday, September 27

ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 25:1-12

Focus Verses: Acts 25:12

Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Although time moved on, the Jews fervor to put Paul to death had not. A new procurator of Judea, Festus, was brought in to clean up Felix’s mess.

The Jews wanted Paul to be tried in Jerusalem so that they could attack and kill him, but Festus initially said “no”. Then, after hearing Paul, and wanting to do the Jews a favor, Festus offered this option to Paul. The Jews brought many charges against Paul, ones that they could not prove, and Paul defended himself, saying he had done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or Caesar. He then appealed to Caesar, and Festus granted him his wish.

Although Paul was pleading for his life, he was not just thinking of himself. He was on a mission for Christ. Nothing else was more important than sharing the Good News according to God’s will; and he was a man on a mission! Everything was indeed going according to God’s sovereign plan. He had told Paul long before this moment that he would speak before kings (Acts 9:15). Appealing to Caesar got him another step closer.

Our God is an all-knowing God and has plans for each one of His children. He’s at work every day, even when we don’t see the dots being connected. Remember, Paul had been in jail for years before the time came when God needed him to move on. We should take courage that God is in control at all times, even when He seems “absent” in a situation. He has a plan, and we must stay the course with Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being with us every second of every day. Thank you for letting your ultimate plan come together as we abide and trust in you. You know our hearts, our every emotion and every step we take. When despair comes our way, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When we are doubtful, give us faith. When we lose our way, be our guide! We want to stay the course for our mission and bring all glory to you.

In Jesus’ name we pray.