Acts 25 9-12 | Paul's Appeal to Caesar

“Every time we do things God’s way, it is the best way possible for us.” - Pastor Chris

This episode of The Tree Church Bible Study features Pastors Stacey and Chris as they continue walking through the story of Paul’s trials before the Roman authorities. Their conversation focuses on Acts 25 verses 9 through 12 and the moment when Paul refuses to return to Jerusalem and instead appeals to Caesar. This decision becomes a turning point in the larger story of Acts and provides a helpful starting point for thinking about government, authority, and Christian faithfulness today.

The study begins with a quick look back at what has happened in the previous chapter. A new governor has taken office and he finds himself responsible for Paul’s ongoing case. The Jewish leaders are still unable to present evidence of wrongdoing yet continue pressuring Festus to make a decision that benefits them. Paul remains caught in the middle, even though nothing against him has been proven.

Pastor Stacey highlights the frustration Paul must have felt by this point. He had sat through trial after trial, heard accusation after accusation, and still nothing had been resolved. Pastor Chris notes that Festus appears to be trying to keep the peace with the Jewish leaders while also keeping the situation off his own shoulders. It becomes clear that Festus is not motivated by justice but by political pressure.

When Festus asks Paul if he is willing to return to Jerusalem for another hearing, Paul answers with a firm no. He reminds Festus that the court they are standing in is the official Roman court. If he has done something worthy of death he will not resist the punishment. But if he has not done anything wrong no authority has the right to hand him over to men who want him dead.

The pastors talk about how Paul’s response shows both courage and wisdom. Pastor Stacey points out that Paul likely knew there was another plot to kill him. Paul had already been protected from an ambush earlier in the story and Pastor Chris reminds listeners that God continued to provide for him in ways that kept him safe. Paul’s refusal to return to Jerusalem was not a lack of submission to authority. It was wisdom in light of the danger and the system that was meant to protect him.

Paul then makes the decision that changes everything. He appeals to Caesar. Under Roman law every citizen could appeal to Caesar if they believed they were not receiving justice. Paul had been granted this right not only as a legal protection but also as a part of God’s direction for his life. Earlier in Acts Paul had received a word that he would testify in Rome and this appeal becomes the way God accomplishes that promise.

Pastor Chris explains that appealing to Caesar kept Paul from being handed over to those who wanted to kill him and it also furthered the mission God had given him. In this moment Paul trusted both the system put in place for his protection and the Lord who guided his steps. His decision shows that using the legal structures available is not opposed to faith. Instead it can be one of the ways God works.

The conversation then shifts to a broader discussion about the purpose of laws and government. The pastors acknowledge something every listener has likely felt. People are broken. Systems can be broken. Leaders sometimes act from fear or selfishness. Yet government itself is not the problem. Systems of authority were created to bring order, structure, and safety into the world.

Pastor Chris points out that from the very beginning God gave people systems and boundaries to help them flourish. The pastors discuss simple examples like speed limits and safety regulations. These things exist to protect people and help communities function well. When used rightly they serve the good of all people.

The pastors then address the part that often feels difficult. What do believers do when authority becomes corrupt or fails to reflect God’s heart. They remind listeners that corruption in government is not new. Throughout Scripture God’s people lived under leaders who were ungodly or unfair. Paul himself lived under an empire that often mistreated those it governed.

The New Testament consistently teaches respect for authority and prayer for leaders. At the same time it acknowledges the reality of broken systems. Pastor Chris explains that even the language of the early church was quietly subversive. Calling Jesus Lord was a direct statement that Caesar was not. The writers of the New Testament understood that government plays an important role but it is never the highest authority. Jesus holds that place alone.

The pastors encourage listeners to think about how believers are called to live when government does not reflect God’s heart. The New Testament writers never call for believers to overthrow systems. Instead they call them to faithfulness. They call them to be people who live differently in the middle of the culture around them.

Pastor Stacey shares how this applies today. Even when she sees brokenness in society she wants her response to look like Jesus. She wants to love when others respond with anger. She wants to follow the laws that bring order and safety. She wants to reflect Christ rather than contribute to the division that surrounds so many conversations about culture and politics.

Pastor Chris adds that Christians throughout history were known for their care for the vulnerable. They protected children. They rescued those who were forgotten. They lived with a different sexual ethic. They forgave when others sought revenge. They did not match the culture around them but instead became a picture of God’s love in the middle of it.

The pastors end the episode by reminding listeners that no matter who is in power Jesus remains Lord. Christians can pray for leaders, honor authority, and still choose a higher allegiance. When culture becomes divided or angry believers can remain steady because their hope is not placed in government. Their hope is placed in Christ who never changes.

The study closes with prayer for wisdom, compassion, and the courage to reflect Christ in everyday moments. Whether at the grocery store, on the road, at work, or at home, believers can be light in small and meaningful ways.