Paul’s Trial In Caesarea Philippi Series

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 37

Paul’s trial in Caesarea Philippi

Acts 25:1-27

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”

-- Last week: discussed Paul being a prisoner for 2+ years (by Felix) in Casearia

-- Felix was hoping Paul would give him $ to be freed & he refused to accept Jesus

- Today will be a two-part message that we will conclude next week

-- It is another opportunity to see how vital a person’s testimony/boldness is

-- However, there is also a clear lesson to see the people we may encounter

-- This is the battle that we wage today, and what we must be prepared for …

-- Simply: Witnessing for Jesus means knowing who or what you are facing!

- Read Acts 25:1-27 / Pray

Point 1 – Paul’s trial before the Roman authorities begins

- Background:

• Felix was a weak dictator who treated everyone poorly

• Festus came to Jerusalem for the purpose of people pleasing

• Fact: There was already disunity and unrest in the Jewish community

• New leader will try to restore this relationship (gov’t & people)

- There are 7 people groups to unpack – yes, they are alive and well today too

-- Want us to understand: When you know people’s motives, you can witness!

1. Those who are Hypocrites and Deceivers

- The Jewish community is engaged with doing away with God’s servant

-- They want Paul tried before the Jewish court in order to have their way

-- They are trying to manipulate Festus (since he is new to the role) How?

- They want Paul transferred so they can ambush and kill him on the way (v3)

-- However, Festus has a sense that this is not the way to handle this situation

-- He has heard about Paul, and knows that there must be more to this story

-- His decision is to have Paul tried under Roman authority (v5)

- Don’t miss this: These are the “religionists” trying to silence God’s messenger

-- APP: It is critical to understand, people are still trying to silence the truth today

-- Even your pastor has been (will be) accused of not “doing what people want”

-- No one is exempt from this – but when you know the motive you can stand firm

2. Those who are Liars

- When Festus returns to Caesarea, the trial of Paul begins with him in the court

-- Yet: It’s incredible to see the accusers actually came with NO evidence (v7)

- This same setup exists today and could be inside or outside of the church

-- But the motive is always the same: Someone doesn’t like something so …

- Good news: We have encouragement from Jesus on this very thing! Matthew 5:11, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.”

-- RE: Lying is still a sin to God (EX 20); here, it exists in an aggressive format!

3. Those who are facing Trials and Deliverance

- Paul’s response to them is of absolute clarity (reread v8); to deny each charge!

-- Paul is a man full of godly strength, even though he stands alone in Caesarea

-- However, he is not totally alone – he stands with the testimony of Christ!

-- This is OUR truth; what we all have to defend us from the noise of the accusers

- RE: It is not the first time Paul has experienced this type of encouragement

-- Acts 23:11, “That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” Understand this: his life has been building to this!

-- He knows whose battle this is, and why it is important that he remain faithful!

4. Those who love to Compromise

- The failure of Festus to lead is sadly, a common picture we have even today (v9)

-- His people pleasing is on full display (much like Herod & Pontius Pilate …)

-- APP: But having a backbone is not just for leaders; it is required for all of us!

- Festus knows that Paul is NOT guilty, this has been offered several times

-- RE: He even has a letter from a Roman Captain (Lysias) (Acts 23:25)

-- APP: His innocence should be confirmed … and Paul should be released!

- Yet … Festus is bent on making the Jewish religious leaders happy

• His suggestion is simple (and actually could be a good thing for all):

• Send him back to Jerusalem to be tried (even volunteering to go back also)