New Testament in a Year – Acts 25

By Ron

June 7, 2024

Acts, New Testament

The Trial Before Festus - Acts 25:1-12

How did the procurator’s visit to Jerusalem show that he wanted to rule justly? (25:1)
Who appeared before Festus in Jerusalem? (25:2)
What did the Jewish leaders want? (25:2)
Why did the leaders want Paul transferred from Caesarea to Jerusalem? (25:3)
How did Festus reply to the request to transfer Paul? (25:4-5)
How did the scene of previous trials repeat itself when Paul was brought before Festus? (25:6-7)
What did Paul say to the court? (25:8)
Why did Festus ask Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem? (25:9)
Why did Paul want nothing to do with standing trial in Jerusalem? (25:10-11)
Why did Festus send Paul’s case to Caesar? (25:11-12)

What or whom should you avoid to protect your spiritual well-being?
What rights of yours should you stand up for this week? How?
What person or situation can you place in God’s hands this week as a discipline against turning events to your own ends?

Why did King Agrippa and his sister visit Festus? (25:13)
What motivated Festus to bring up Paul’s case to King Agrippa? (25:14-21)
Why would Agrippa’s insight and advice be helpful to Festus? (25:14-21)
How did Festus tell the story from a Roman point of view? (25:14-21)
How did Festus handle this long-standing case? (25:17)
In reviewing the case with Agrippa, what did Festus say was the main charge against Paul? (25:17-19)
Why was Festus, in a sense, paralyzed by Paul’s case? (25:19)
Why did Festus feel incapable of handling Paul’s case? (25:19-20)
Why had Paul wanted to remain in Roman custody? (25:21)
How did Agrippa respond to the governor’s story? (25:22)

In what difficult situation do you want to remember that God is sovereignly in control?
Over the next few weeks, how can you gather practical wisdom from your Bible study?

How did Agrippa and Bernice use the occasion of their meeting with Paul to display their position and power? (25:23)
Who commanded Paul to be brought in? (25:23)
How was this meeting a fulfillment of the prophecy in Luke 21:12? (25:23)
How did Festus open the proceedings? (25:24-26)
In opening the proceedings, what did Festus say to his royal guests? (25:24-26)
Why did Festus bring Paul before this group? (25:26-27)
How had Festus become tangled in a difficulty of his own making? (25:25-27)

Why is it important to pray for your political leaders?
What story of God’s working in your life can you rehearse for sharing with others?
This week, how can you support a minister of the gospel who is in trying circumstances?