Acts 25:13–22 | Festus Consults King Agrippa

“The biggest thing is that people are going to be drawn to you based on how you are acting different from the world.” — Pastor Stacey Crawford

This Tree Church Bible Study continues through the book of Acts with a focused conversation on Acts 25:13–22. Hosted by Pastor Stacey Crawford and joined by Pastor Chris Reid, the episode explores a pivotal moment in Paul’s ongoing trial, where Roman governor Festus seeks counsel from King Agrippa. While the passage may initially feel procedural or confusing, the discussion reveals deeper themes of influence, responsibility, and what it means to bear witness to Jesus in a world that may not understand Him.

At this point in Acts, Paul remains in Roman custody. Festus has recently taken over as governor, inheriting Paul’s unresolved case from Felix. The charges against Paul are still unclear, and Festus finds himself responsible for sending Paul to Caesar without fully understanding the accusations.

When King Agrippa and his sister Bernice arrive, Festus sees an opportunity. Agrippa has familiarity with Jewish customs and the temple, making him a helpful voice in a situation rooted in religious conflict rather than Roman law. Festus is not seeking moral clarity, but practical insight. He needs help understanding how to explain Paul’s case.

This sets the stage for a conversation that highlights confusion, political responsibility, and the role of influence.

Pastor Stacey and Pastor Chris pause to provide helpful historical context. King Agrippa II was a descendant of Herod and ruled a small territory under Roman authority. While he did not have jurisdiction over Paul, he carried influence with the Jewish community and deep familiarity with Jewish law.

That influence is what made his voice valuable to Festus. Agrippa’s position, knowledge, and connection to the people involved gave weight to his perspective. This moment invites reflection on how influence works, not just in government, but in everyday life.

Influence can come from authority, trust, knowledge, or relationship. Some influence is assigned by position, while other influence is given freely because someone has proven trustworthy.

The conversation naturally broadens to consider how influence operates beyond the biblical text. Pastor Stacey and Pastor Chris emphasize that everyone both influences others and is influenced in return.

People grant influence for different reasons. Sometimes it comes from leadership roles. Other times it comes from character, consistency, or wisdom. There are also moments when influence is given too easily, whether through media, culture, or popularity, without discernment.

This raises an important question for believers. Who is shaping our thinking, decisions, and values? And just as importantly, how are our own actions shaping the people around us?

Pastor Chris highlights how influence is often most powerful in unseen moments. It is easy to appear consistent in public settings, but the way someone lives at home, responds to stress, or handles failure leaves a deeper impression.

Children, family members, coworkers, and friends observe patterns over time. These everyday behaviors shape credibility. Influence is not limited to words. It is carried through tone, actions, and integrity.

This reminder ties back to Paul’s story. Even while imprisoned, Paul’s life continues to point to Jesus. His faithfulness under pressure becomes part of his witness.

One striking detail in Acts 25:19 is Festus’ description of the conflict as a dispute about “a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.” That single sentence reveals how unfamiliar Festus is with the message of Christ.

Pastor Stacey and Pastor Chris connect this moment to modern culture. Many people today live with little to no understanding of who Jesus is or why He matters. For them, Christian faith may sound confusing or irrelevant.

This reality reframes the task of sharing faith. It requires patience, clarity, and humility, not assumptions.

The discussion acknowledges that sharing faith is often difficult. Paul’s boldness can feel intimidating by comparison. He is experienced, trained, and unwavering, even in custody.

But Pastor Stacey and Pastor Chris remind listeners that Paul’s courage does not mean he never felt fear. It also does not mean everyone is called to speak in the same way Paul did.

A major barrier is the fear of saying the wrong thing. Another is the cost, whether that cost is rejection, misunderstanding, or discomfort.

Rather than focusing solely on preaching, Pastor Chris reframes the conversation around bearing witness. Witness involves words, but it also includes the way someone lives, treats others, and responds when they fail.

A life shaped by Jesus naturally points people toward Him. Faithfulness at work, kindness in public spaces, honesty in relationships, and humility in mistakes all communicate something meaningful.

When questions arise, sharing personal experience becomes a powerful entry point. Knowing one’s story matters as much as knowing answers.

The episode closes with practical reflection on attentiveness to the Holy Spirit. Opportunities to reflect Jesus often appear unexpectedly, in conversations, moments of generosity, or simple acts of care.

Sometimes those moments are missed. Other times, they become seeds planted in someone else’s life. Either way, growth comes through awareness and obedience.

Living as a witness does not require grand gestures. It requires faithfulness, courage, and a willingness to respond when God prompts action.

Acts 25:13–22 reminds readers that faith is lived out in ordinary systems, confusing situations, and imperfect institutions. Paul’s story shows that even when clarity is lacking and outcomes are uncertain, a life rooted in Jesus still speaks.

This Bible Study invites believers to examine their influence, live with intention, and trust that God can use faithful presence to draw others toward truth.