Paul on Trial - Before Festus, Pt. 4
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Rev (Rtd). Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | April 11 2026 | Acts 25:23-27
KEY VERSE: “But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him… therefore I have brought him before you… especially before you, King Agrippa, so that… I may have something to write.” (Acts 25:26, ESV)
MESSAGE:
At the very beginning, in Acts 9:15, the sovereign God made it clear that Paul was His chosen instrument to carry His name before kings. This short closing section of Acts 25 shows that God was already bringing that word to pass, though in a way Paul himself could not have planned. The passage reminds us that God's purpose is sure, even when the path is painful, and the method remains hidden from us.
Once again, Luke draws attention to the persistence and hostility of those who wanted Paul dead. Their outcry had followed him from Jerusalem to Caesarea. Hatred had not weakened with time. It had only stayed active. This is a sober reminder of how far a heart can go when it resists truth and gives itself over to bitterness.
Festus makes it plain that Paul was not guilty, since the charges against him could not be sustained. Yet he lacked the courage the moment demanded. He could see what was right, but he did not act with the firmness justice required. In this, Festus stands among those who know the truth and still fail to act on it. Courage is not optional, especially in leadership. Where truth, justice, and responsibility meet, courage must also be present.
Yet above all, the sovereign purpose of God continued to move forward. God had said Paul would bear His name before kings, and so it came to pass, though Paul had not been shown the roadmap or the manner in which that word would be fulfilled. Like Joseph, who went into Egypt not as a ruler but as a slave, Paul moved toward that fulfilment as a prisoner. God’s purpose does not fail because the path He chooses is difficult. God’s wisdom is at work, even when the path is hidden from us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Trust the purpose of God, even when you do not understand the path He is using. Walk with courage, especially when truth and justice are in your hands. And remember that God’s way of fulfilling His purpose may be painful, humbling, or unexpected, yet it remains wise and sure.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to submit to the way You choose to fulfil Your purposes in our lives. Help us trust You when the path is difficult and hidden from us. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: DEFINITE Definite comes from the Greek word asphalēs, which means certain, secure, clear, or well-established.
In Acts 25:26, Festus admits that he has nothing definite to write about Paul. That confession exposes the case against him as empty. The charges had noise, but they lacked substance. The matter had pressure, but not clarity. This makes the moment even more revealing. A man may stand surrounded by accusation and still be unsupported by truth. In the end, what is not certain cannot stand with weight before judgment.
Reflect on this:
When confusion, pressure, or accusation rises around you, are you settled by what is definite and true before God?
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