Acts 25-26 Paul’s Defense and Appeal

The religious leaders in Jerusalem were overconfident that their case against Paul would finally end his career. As they had done with Jesus, they hired witnesses to testify falsely about him. This chapter proves the truth of what Jesus told the disciples: Luk 21:12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. Paul is now living this in real time. How would you handle this in your life? Would you be strong enough to stand before rulers to defend your life and your belief in Jesus as the Christ?

As Paul stood before Felix and heard the accusations brought by the attorney Tertullus, he remained firm in his defense of the truth behind their charges of insurrection. Finally, Festus permitted Paul to speak. Paul graciously refuted their argument, which left Festus in a dilemma. What will happen next? Stay tuned.

How about you? Paul was in chains, and perhaps that may happen to believers worldwide in the days to come. Are we confident in our Savior to stand firm, or will we cave to their threats?