Unstoppable! 'The Pomp and Position of Royalty' — Acts 25:23-25

Paul's appearance before Festus in the auditorium was quite a "happening"! Pomp and position were on full display. Religious, political, governmental, and military prominence were honored. Festus made clear to all who came that their role was to be honored, entertained, and informed. He had already decided that Paul was not deserving of death. He was determined to honor Paul's appeal to be sent to Rome. However, we see Festus' handling of this situation as an example of why he was so highly regarded as a politician and leader. His death, which occurred two years after this event, was considered a tragedy and left a vacuum of honorable rulership, so the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem used that vacuum to persecute Christians.

The recognition that Festus gave to people in positions of prominence is directly opposite to the guidance that Jesus gave us when he said, "The greatest among you must be a servant" (Matthew 23:11).