Acts 24:27 – 25:8 | Paul’s Trial Before Festus

“What you come back to is trusting and believing that God will vindicate you in those situations.” - Pastor Chris

In this Bible Study episode, Pastors Stacey and Chris continue walking through the story of Paul’s imprisonment as the narrative moves from the end of Acts 24 into the opening verses of Acts 25. These chapters show Paul once again standing before a political leader, still facing accusations the religious leaders could not prove. The pastors guide listeners through the historical setting, the motives behind the leaders’ actions, and the spiritual themes that rise from Paul’s experience. The conversation remains grounded in scripture while helping listeners understand how these ancient events still speak today.

The study begins with the last verse of Acts 24, where Luke explains that Paul remained in custody for two full years. During that time, Felix met with Paul often and heard the message of Jesus clearly. Pastor Stacey reflects on these encounters, noting that Felix seemed to feel conviction yet refused to decide. Pastor Chris explains that Felix was a practical man who valued his comfort and position more than confronting the truth Paul presented. The pastors highlight how resisting a decision is still a decision, and delaying the gospel out of convenience can eventually become rejection.

They also point out the larger political tension surrounding Felix. Rome wanted stability, and Felix was responsible for maintaining peace within Jewish communities. Setting Paul free risked upsetting the leaders in Jerusalem. So he left Paul imprisoned, choosing public approval over righteousness.

Even in this difficult moment, the pastors note how Paul remained faithful. God did not waste these years. Though Paul waited, God was still directing every part of the story.

Acts 25 begins with a leadership change. Felix is replaced by Festus, and within three days of arriving in the region, Festus travels to Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders use the opportunity to revive their accusations against Paul and again request that he be transferred. Their plan was not to hold another fair hearing. Luke explains that they intended to ambush Paul along the way and kill him.

Pastor Stacey and Pastor Chris discuss how this reveals a deeper issue. The leaders were not simply frustrated with Paul. They saw him as a threat to their identity, traditions, and control. Their opposition had become a grudge that shaped their behavior. Rather than seek the truth, they were consumed by the desire to silence him.

Pastor Chris explains that this kind of commitment can be good when it is rooted in truth but harmful when rooted in pride or fear. The leaders believed they were protecting their faith, yet they were closing their eyes to the work of God unfolding in front of them.

The pastors take time to reflect on how religious certainty can drift into religious pride. The leaders expected a Messiah who would overthrow Rome. Jesus did not fit their expectations, and Paul continued to teach that Jesus truly was the fulfillment of God’s promise. Because it did not match what they had always known, many leaders refused to consider it.

Pastor Chris shares how this pattern still matters today. Followers of Jesus should study scripture deeply, but they should also hold their conclusions with humility. If a person becomes so rigid that they cannot recognize God’s movement, they risk missing what He is doing. Pastor Stacey adds that this is why discernment matters. God invites His people to test what is true while remaining open to His voice.

Festus listens to the accusations in Jerusalem, but he does not grant their request. He informs them that Paul is being held in Caesarea and that they may come there to present their case. This decision once again protects Paul. The pastors note that even though Festus did not fully understand the situation, God used him to guard Paul’s life.

A few days later, Festus returns to Caesarea, calls the court to order, and brings Paul in. The Jewish leaders present many charges, none of which they can prove. Paul responds with clarity, stating he has committed no crime against Jewish law, the temple, or the Roman government.

Pastor Stacey points out how consistent this pattern has been throughout the story. The accusations repeat. The hostility repeats. And yet every time, God provides a way through it. Paul does not escape the hardship, but he also does not face it alone.

From here, the pastors turn to a practical discussion about dealing with people who seem committed to making life difficult. While they acknowledge that Paul’s situation is unique, they recognize that many listeners have faced painful relational conflict. Pastor Chris speaks honestly about how challenging it is to show love toward someone who acts like an enemy. Jesus calls His followers to love those who oppose them, but this command is not simple. It requires sacrifice, patience, wisdom, and dependence on God.

The pastors bring attention to the book of Psalms, where God invites His people to bring honest emotions before Him. The psalmists do not hide their anger or pain, but they turn toward God instead of retaliating. Pastor Chris explains that this is an act of trust. Believers can ask God for protection, justice, or vindication while still choosing the posture Jesus teaches.

Pastor Stacey shares a personal memory from middle school, describing a time when a new classmate turned her group of friends against her. It was painful, and she often cried privately. Yet she continued to show kindness and refused to retaliate. Years later, one of the girls apologized, saying they all knew how wrong their actions had been because of the way she responded.

This story illustrates the larger point of the episode: choosing love may feel unnoticed in the moment, but God uses it in ways we may never see immediately. Pastor Chris affirms that the Holy Spirit often brings these memories back to people later in life, using them as seeds that point someone toward Jesus.

As the episode moves toward its conclusion, the pastors encourage listeners to take heart. Paul’s experience shows that God’s presence is steady even when life feels unfair. When others mistreat us, God sees it. When we are tempted to fight back, God invites us to trust Him. When we struggle with anger, God welcomes our honest prayers. And when we choose love, God uses it in ways that reach further than we imagine.

The study ends with Pastor Chris praying for every listener who feels the weight of conflict or opposition. He asks God to help His people show the same grace they have received, to trust His timing, and to see that He continues to pursue those who have not yet responded to Him.

This passage in Acts reminds us that faithfulness is not measured by ease but by obedience. Paul stayed faithful, and God stayed present. The same is true for us today.