Paul Appeals to Caesar

Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. Acts 25:1-12

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12

Paul has been in prison now for several years. He hears that the Jews are requesting him to come to Jerusalem to stand trial. Paul knows that if he is sent back to Jerusalem that he will die at the hands of the Jews. So when Festus, the Roman governor is not inclined to defend him Paul appeals to the highest Roman ruler - Caesar - Nero. He knows that he might die at the hands of Nero but he knows for sure that he will die at the hands of the Jews. In addition Paul remembers the words of Christ in Acts 23:11 that God has said he needs to testify in Rome. So Paul throws his life onto the words of Christ and is willing to go to Rome to testify and die if necessary.

Prayer for Today: God, grant us the serenity to do what You would have us to do. Help us to have the peace which fear can not shake. Help us to be willing to share our experience, strength, and hope, with anyone who will listen and enter into recoverey with us. Thank You for Your love and grace.