Acts 25- God Behind the Scenes
Acts 25 opens like a reminder that sometimes the fiercest opposition we face doesn’t come from strangers but from people who should have understood us. Paul had barely arrived in Caesarea under Roman protection when the chief priests and leading Jewish men—the Sanhedrin—were already plotting against him again (Acts 25:2). These were men who carried authority, influence, and religious weight. Yet even with all their power, they couldn’t override the quiet, sovereign hand of God working behind the scenes.
Festus was a new governor, still learning the ropes, still trying to earn Rome’s approval and keep peace with the Jewish authorities. But without even meaning to, he became part of God’s protective shield around Paul. Festus insisted that if the Jews wanted a hearing, they had to come to him, in Caesarea (Acts 25:4).
He didn’t know it, but God was using him to block an assassination attempt.
It’s comforting to remember that sometimes, God uses people who aren’t even aware of Him to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Protection doesn’t always look supernatural; often, it looks administrative, procedural, or “inconvenient” to your enemy.
Paul Refuses to Be Cornered
When Festus later suggested Paul return to Jerusalem for trial, Paul immediately knew what time it was. The Scripture is clear: “wishing to do the Jews a favor” (Acts 25:9), Festus was leaning toward compromise. And compromise would have cost Paul his life.
So Paul did what only a Roman citizen could do: he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11). By invoking this legal right, he took the entire case out of Festus’s hands. This wasn’t Paul being dramatic—it was Paul being discerning. He realized that even though Festus wasn’t malicious, he was politically vulnerable. And vulnerable authority is often dangerous authority.
Appealing to Caesar wasn’t just a smart legal move. It was a prophetic fulfillment. Back in Acts 9, Jesus told Paul he would testify before kings. Now, layer by layer, the plan was unfolding.
Enter King Agrippa and Bernice
As if the story needed more royal drama, King Agrippa II and his sister Bernice arrived to pay Festus a courtesy visit (Acts 25:13). Agrippa was no small figure. He oversaw the temple, appointed high priests, and knew Jewish customs better than the average Roman.
Festus, confused about the whole situation, explained Paul’s case. He admitted something revealing:
“They brought no charge of such evils as I supposed” (Acts 25:18).
In other words:
“I thought this man was dangerous, but this is just a religious disagreement I don’t understand.”
Festus understood Roman law. He didn’t understand resurrection, prophecy, or the passion of the Sanhedrin. But he did know he had no grounds to convict Paul.
And again—we see God quietly guarding Paul’s destiny through political confusion and legal uncertainty.
The Stage Is Set
When Agrippa agreed to hear Paul speak, the scene was almost cinematic. Tomorrow’s chapter—Paul before Agrippa—will give us one of the most powerful gospel presentations in the book of Acts.
But Acts 25 teaches us something else:
God can secure your future using the very systems built to destroy you.
God used:
Festus’s administrative fairness
Rome’s legal right of appeal
Agrippa’s curiosity
The Sanhedrin’s inability to agree
And Paul’s own Roman citizenship
All to move Paul exactly where God wanted him: toward Rome, toward Caesar, toward purpose.
Nothing is wasted in God’s hands.
Acts 25 reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even through government decisions, legal rights, and the actions of people who don’t even know Him. Paul faced fierce opposition, but each attempt against him only pushed him closer to the path God had ordained. When human agendas collide with divine purpose, God’s plan always wins.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the God who protects us even when we don’t see it happening. Help us trust Your unseen hand when circumstances feel unstable or when people oppose what You’ve called us to do. Give us Paul’s courage, discernment, and clarity to walk in wisdom and boldness. And may every attempt to derail Your purpose only propel us closer to our calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.