◄ Acts 25:12 ►
Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Study Bible
Then Festus conferred with his council
Festus, the Roman governor, sought advice from his council, a group of advisors likely composed of legal experts and prominent citizens. This reflects the Roman practice of consulting a consilium for important decisions, ensuring that the governor's actions were legally sound and politically wise. The council's role highlights the Roman emphasis on law and order, contrasting with the often arbitrary justice systems of other ancient cultures. This consultation underscores the gravity of Paul's appeal and the potential implications for Roman governance in Judea.

and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar.
Paul's appeal to Caesar was a legal right of Roman citizens, allowing them to have their case heard by the emperor in Rome. This appeal was significant because it shifted the jurisdiction from a local to an imperial level, demonstrating the privileges of Roman citizenship. Historically, this appeal was made to Nero, who was emperor at the time. Theologically, Paul's appeal can be seen as part of God's providential plan to spread the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy in Acts 9:15 that Paul would bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

To Caesar you will go!”
Festus's decision to send Paul to Caesar aligns with Roman legal procedures, where an appeal to the emperor was binding. This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry, as it sets the stage for his journey to Rome, a key location for the spread of Christianity. Theologically, this journey can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). It also serves as a type of Christ, as Paul, like Jesus, is unjustly accused and must face trial, yet his journey is part of a divine plan for the salvation of many.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Festus
Porcius Festus was the Roman governor of Judea, succeeding Felix. He played a crucial role in the legal proceedings against Paul, demonstrating the Roman legal system's influence over Judean affairs.

2. Paul
The apostle Paul, a central figure in the early Christian church, was under trial for charges brought against him by Jewish leaders. His appeal to Caesar was a strategic move to ensure a fair trial and to continue his mission to spread the Gospel.

3. Caesar
Referring to the Roman Emperor, at this time, Nero. Paul's appeal to Caesar was a legal right of Roman citizens, allowing them to have their case heard by the emperor.

4. Council
The group of advisors or legal experts who assisted Festus in making judicial decisions. Their role highlights the structured legal processes of the Roman Empire.

5. Appeal to Caesar
A legal right of Roman citizens to have their case heard by the emperor. This appeal was a pivotal moment in Paul's journey, leading to his eventual travel to Rome.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Legal Systems
Even in secular legal systems, God's purposes can be fulfilled. Paul's appeal to Caesar was part of God's plan to spread the Gospel to Rome.

Strategic Use of Rights
Christians can wisely use their legal rights and privileges to further the Gospel and ensure justice, as Paul did by appealing to Caesar.

Courage in the Face of Injustice
Paul’s boldness in appealing to Caesar despite the risks involved encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and mission, even when facing unjust circumstances.

Trust in God's Promises
Paul's journey to Rome was a fulfillment of God's promise, reminding believers to trust in God's timing and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's appeal to Caesar demonstrate his understanding of his rights as a Roman citizen, and how can we apply this understanding in our own context today?

2. In what ways does Acts 25:12 show the fulfillment of God's promise to Paul in Acts 23:11, and how does this encourage us to trust in God's promises?

3. How can we see God's hand at work in secular legal systems today, and what can we learn from Paul's experience in Acts 25:12?

4. What are some modern-day situations where Christians might need to use their legal rights to further the Gospel or seek justice?

5. How does Paul's courage in appealing to Caesar inspire us to stand firm in our faith when facing challenges or injustices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 23:11
This verse connects to Acts 25:12 as it records the Lord's promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome, showing the fulfillment of God's plan through Paul's appeal to Caesar.

Philippians 1:12-14
These verses reflect on Paul's imprisonment and how it served to advance the Gospel, illustrating the broader impact of his legal trials.

Romans 13:1-7
This passage discusses the role of governing authorities, providing context for understanding Paul's interaction with Roman officials like Festus.
Sermons
Christian EpochsJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 25:1-12
Paul Before FestusD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 25:1-12
Paul Before FestusA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 25:1-12
Paul Before FestusK. Gerok.Acts 25:1-12
SneakismScientific IllustrationsActs 25:1-12
Tenacity in RightE. Johnson Acts 25:1-12
The Christian in Reference to Changes of GovernmentK. Gerok.Acts 25:1-12
The Way Opened to RomeR.A. Redford Acts 25:1-12
The Enlightened, the Unenlightened, and the Great OverrulerW. Clarkson Acts 25:1-16
PopularityJ. W. Burn.Acts 25:7-12
The Appeal to CaesarK. Gerok.Acts 25:7-12
The Appeal to CaesarK. Gerok., J. H. Tasson.Acts 25:7-12
The Christian and the WorldJ. W. Burn.Acts 25:7-12
The Noble Firmness of the Christian in the Maintenance of His RightsRobe.Acts 25:7-12
People
Agrippa, Augustus, Bernice, Felix, Festus, Paul
Places
Caesarea, Jerusalem
Topics
Appealed, Caesar, Cause, Cesar, Communed, Conferred, Conferring, Council, Declared, Discussion, Festus, Hast, Jews, Replied
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 25:1-12

     5108   Paul, life of
     5203   acquittal
     5593   trial

Acts 25:10-12

     4263   Rome

Acts 25:11-12

     8427   evangelism, kinds of

Library
1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
[4] "I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; "And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."--1 Cor. 15:3-4. THE text which heads this paper is taken from a passage of Scripture with which most Englishmen are only too well acquainted. It is the chapter from which the lesson has been selected, which forms part of the matchless Burial Service of the Church of England. Of …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Whether a Judge May Condemn a Man who is not Accused?
Objection 1: It would seem that a judge may pass sentence on a man who is not accused. For human justice is derived from Divine justice. Now God judges the sinner even though there be no accuser. Therefore it seems that a man may pass sentence of condemnation on a man even though there be no accuser. Objection 2: Further, an accuser is required in judicial procedure in order that he may relate the crime to the judge. Now sometimes the crime may come to the judge's knowledge otherwise than by accusation; …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Ambition is Opposed to Magnanimity by Excess?
Objection 1: It seems that ambition is not opposed to magnanimity by excess. For one mean has only one extreme opposed to it on the one side. Now presumption is opposed to magnanimity by excess as stated above ([3363]Q[130], A[2]). Therefore ambition is not opposed to it by excess. Objection 2: Further, magnanimity is about honors; whereas ambition seems to regard positions of dignity: for it is written (2 Macc. 4:7) that "Jason ambitiously sought the high priesthood." Therefore ambition is not opposed …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Lawful for the Accused to Escape Judgment by Appealing?
Objection 1: It would seem unlawful for the accused to escape judgment by appealing. The Apostle says (Rom. 13:1): "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers." Now the accused by appealing refuses to be subject to a higher power, viz. the judge. Therefore he commits a sin. Objection 2: Further, ordinary authority is more binding than that which we choose for ourselves. Now according to the Decretals (II, qu. vi, cap. A judicibus) it is unlawful to appeal from the judges chosen by common consent. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
[10] "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. "But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. "Then Agrippa said …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Messiah Worshipped by Angels
Let all the angels of God worship Him. M any of the Lord's true servants, have been in a situation so nearly similar to that of Elijah, that like him they have been tempted to think they were left to serve the Lord alone (I Kings 19:10) . But God had then a faithful people, and He has so in every age. The preaching of the Gospel may be compared to a standard erected, to which they repair, and thereby become known to each other, and more exposed to the notice and observation of the world. But we hope …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Jerusalem to Rome
Acts 21:17-28:31 THIS JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 21:17-28:31 1. The speech before the Jewish mob in the temple (Acts 22:1-29) in which Paul tells the Jews how he was changed from a persecutor to a believer in Christ. He relates also the story of his conversion. 2. The speech before the Jewish council (Acts 22:30; 23:1-10) in which he creates confusion by raising the question of the resurrection. But the provocation was great for the high-priest had commanded that Paul be smitten …
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
Acts 13-28 and all the rest of the New Testament except the epistles of John and Revelation. The Changed Situation. We have now come to a turning point in the whole situation. The center of work has shifted from Jerusalem to Antioch, the capital of the Greek province of Syria, the residence of the Roman governor of the province. We change from the study of the struggles of Christianity in the Jewish world to those it made among heathen people. We no longer study many and various persons and their …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its Just Weight...
One argument which has been much relied upon (but not more than its just weight deserves) is the conformity of the facts occasionally mentioned or referred to in Scripture with the state of things in those times, as represented by foreign and independent accounts; which conformity proves, that the writers of the New Testament possessed a species of local knowledge which could belong only to an inhabitant of that country and to one living in that age. This argument, if well made out by examples, is …
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

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