Unstoppable! 'The Real Issue for Festus' — Acts 25:26-27

Festus was wise in his maneuvering. He wanted all the political and religious dignitaries over whom he ruled to be valued. Being the Roman governor, he had to uphold Roman law. So, he included these dignitaries and especially King Agrippa, who came from a long line of Jewish rulers. Since Agrippa was Jewish, he was under the Roman governor, but perhaps Festus thought the Jewish ruler could provide some insight into Paul's situation, so Festus involved Agrippa in the decision about what to write concerning the charges against Paul. At the same time, Luke showed us once again that Paul was not guilty of any crime under Roman law. Luke wanted his readers, especially those like Theophilus who were Roman and interested in honoring God, to know that Christianity was not an illegal religion and its leaders were not dangerous to public safety. Jesus had taught that his followers should be salt and light in a world of decay and darkness.* They were — and are — supposed to live such good lives that people would see their lives and glorify God.** How are we doing at this job? How am I living up to Jesus' call to be a blessing?

* See our first set of Related Scripture Readings.
** See our second set of Related Scripture Readings.