Acts 25 23-35 | Paul Before Agrippa

"It’s not about the effectiveness. It’s about obedience and trusting that God will do something with it." - Pastor Chris Reid

Acts 25:23–35 brings Paul into a public and politically charged moment. What began as an arrest has turned into a formal hearing before King Agrippa, Bernice, military officers, and prominent leaders. The setting is marked by status, authority, and pressure. Yet Paul enters this moment not with power or influence, but with humility, integrity, and clarity about why he is there.

In this Bible study conversation, Pastor Stacey Crawford and Pastor Chris Reid walk through this scene together, highlighting the contrast between the world’s view of authority and God’s view of faithfulness. As Paul stands before leaders who appear powerful, the discussion reminds listeners that true authority belongs to God alone.

Acts describes Agrippa and Bernice arriving “with great pomp,” surrounded by military officers and prominent men of the city. Everything about the scene communicates importance and influence. This is the kind of setting designed to impress and intimidate.
Paul, however, arrives in chains.

The contrast is unmistakable. On one side stands a king making a grand entrance. On the other stands a prisoner whose life has been marked by obedience to God. Pastor Stacey notes how unlikely this moment must have felt from Paul’s perspective, yet it fulfills what God had already spoken over his life earlier in Acts.

Paul does not attempt to match the spectacle of the room. He does not elevate himself. He remains focused on why he is there and who ultimately holds authority.

One of the central themes of the conversation is the difference between effectiveness and obedience. Paul’s situation does not look effective by worldly standards. He is imprisoned, misunderstood, and opposed.

Pastor Chris explains that it can be tempting to use worldly methods to achieve spiritual goals. Influence, success, and recognition can feel like necessary tools for making a difference. Yet Paul’s life stands as a warning against adopting the world’s ways to accomplish God’s work.

Paul’s ministry shows that obedience matters more than visible results. God is not asking for success as the world defines it. He is asking for faithfulness.

"It’s rooted in the conviction of what God is doing, not in the results." — Pastor Chris Reid

Pastor Stacey shares a personal example of walking through criticism and rejection while remaining confident in God’s calling. She explains that her ability to keep moving forward is not rooted in outcomes but in certainty about what God has spoken.

Paul operates from the same foundation. He stands confidently because the church had prayed over him and affirmed the Spirit’s leading. His obedience flows from conviction, not convenience.

This kind of obedience often feels costly. It may involve misunderstanding, loss, or opposition. Yet Paul demonstrates that obedience grounded in calling provides stability when circumstances are uncertain.

As the passage continues, Festus admits that he has no clear charge against Paul. He is caught between competing pressures and opinions. He wants to do his job well, keep the peace, and avoid unrest.

The hosts note how familiar this situation feels. Festus is surrounded by expectations and fear of consequences. No matter what decision he makes, someone will be unhappy.

This becomes a launching point for a deeper discussion about people pleasing and peer pressure.

Pastor Chris explains that the desire to belong is powerful. People want acceptance, connection, and approval. Drawing from C.S. Lewis, he describes the pull of the “inner ring,” the place where everyone wants to fit.

Fear of rejection drives people pleasing. Past experiences of exclusion can shape future behavior. Many people learn early that approval feels safer than honesty.

Pastor Stacey adds that being liked is not wrong. The problem arises when pleasing others becomes the primary motivation and leads to compromise.

"It’s when that becomes the primary motivation that it becomes unhealthy." — Pastor Chris Reid

Avoiding conflict may feel peaceful in the moment, but the long-term consequences can be destructive. Pastor Stacey shares examples from leadership where failing to address issues can harm entire teams.

Pastor Chris expands on this idea, pointing out how unchecked behavior can disrupt families, teams, and churches. Valuing one person’s comfort over the health of the whole can lead to long-term damage.

The goal is not to become harsh or unkind. Scripture calls believers to be peaceable. But peace rooted in avoidance is fragile. True love sometimes requires difficult conversations.

The conversation emphasizes that love, not fear, must drive action. Love seeks what is good, true, and right, even when it creates tension.

Addressing sin or harmful behavior is not about control or judgment. It is about pointing people toward life and maturity in Jesus.

Paul models this clearly. He refuses to compromise his integrity to make the situation easier. He does not bribe officials or alter the truth. He chooses consistency and character over comfort.

One of the most challenging truths discussed is that obedience does not guarantee immediate acceptance. Doing the right thing may still result in rejection.

Pastor Chris notes that a hard conversation may initially push someone away. Yet obedience plants seeds that God can use later.

"You don’t know the seed that that’s planting in that person’s life." — Pastor Chris Reid

The responsibility of the believer is obedience. The results belong to God.

Paul’s integrity becomes the defining mark of his testimony. He remains consistent, truthful, and faithful regardless of pressure.

People pleasing, by contrast, erodes integrity. When approval becomes the goal, convictions become flexible. Over time, character weakens.

The hosts emphasize that integrity does not mean harshness. It means holding firmly to what is true while remaining motivated by love.

As the conversation draws toward a close, Pastor Stacey reflects on a guiding question she returns to often: Who am I trying to please?

When believers face pressure, the question becomes whether God’s authority will outweigh the opinions of others. Choosing obedience may feel uncomfortable, but it leads to deeper faith and trust.

Paul’s life reminds believers that honoring God sometimes means standing alone, yet never standing without Him.

The episode concludes with prayer, asking God for confidence, guidance, and freedom from people pleasing. Pastor Stacey prays that listeners would walk boldly in obedience, trusting that God is present and active in every step.

The reminder is clear. God calls. God leads. God remains faithful.