Acts 25--bonus blog

Maybe Acts 25 is instructive for us because it seems so inconsequential. Just several days of waiting interspersed with a few brief court proceedings. Not the high drama we’re used to in the Bible, particularly in the book of Acts.

So why does Luke take such pains to relate all this information? He’s showing the invisible hand of God’s providence arranging circumstances so that Paul will testify about Christ before Caesar. Caesar is, after all, the antichrist. Oh, maybe not the ultimate antichrist who will appear at the end of the age, but he is the prototype. He was called the son of God, the savior of the people, the prince of peace—all these were titles ascribed to Caesar—but to date he had no idea about the Truth. No idea about the Christ who rightly bore these titles.

So God arranged for Festus to hear Paul’s case, a man who was not manipulated by the Jews who wanted Paul transferred to Jerusalem where he could be ambushed and killed. But then Festus suggests that they move the trial to Jerusalem after all, a surprising turn that disconcerts Paul. In Jerusalem the deck would be stacked. What happened in Jesus’ trial would likely happen again. Although the charges should have been dropped—the Jews had no proof—Festus threatened to try Paul right in the backyard of those who wanted him dead. Paul has no choice. He appeals to Caesar.

Normal proceedings; normal twists and turns; but God presides over it all. Events unfold according to divine plan, for God wants his man representing Christ to Caesar.

Whether you perceive it or not, God might be orchestrating your circumstances to similar ends. Maybe there is someone that only you can reach; maybe there is a situation requiring your unique witness for Christ. And the way you’re going to get into that circumstance might not be via the perfect job promotion or the ideal relocation. Maybe yours will be the path of suffering and persecution. Maybe events will seem to conspire against you. But maybe that’s the very way God will get you where he most needs you to be. Entrust yourself to divine providence and represent Christ in every circumstance.