Happy Friday, and welcome back to Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week. It's great to be here with you again! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!
This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-five, Verses 13-27.
I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...
"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...
OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...
1) Observe Paul before King Agrippa.
For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 25:13-27...
A few days later, King Agrippa and Bernice go to Caesarea to greet Festus as the new governor, replacing Felix. Festus lays Paul's case before Agrippa. He notes that Felix has left Paul a prisoner with his case not resolved. He recalls that the chief priests and elders of the Jews informed him about Paul during his recent visit to Jerusalem. Festus recounts to Agrippa that he had told the Jews that it was not Roman custom to deliver the accused for "destruction" without the accused having the opportunity to answer the charges face to face.
Upon Festus' return to Caesarea, he has Paul come before the judgment seat. He discovers nothing wrong in Paul, other than there are some questions about "their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive." Festus asks Paul to go to Jerusalem, since he is "uncertain" about these matters.
At that point, Festus notes that Paul appeals to Caesar. After Festus' explanation of Paul's case, Agrippa requests to hear Paul himself. Festus says to Agrippa, "Tomorrow you shall hear him." Paul is brought before King Agrippa the next day, following much pomp upon the entry of Agrippa and Bernice into the auditorium with the commanders and other prominent men of the city. Festus explains the situation to Agrippa and the others. He reports that the Jews claim Paul is not "fit to live any longer."
However, Festus stats that he finds Paul has committed nothing deserving death. He notes that Paul has appealed to Caesar, and he is going to send him. Festus indicates that he has nothing to write to Caesar about Paul. He hopes that after Agrippa's examination of Paul, he might have something to write. He thinks it is unreasonable to send an appeal to Caesar without specifying the charges. (13-27)
1) Why had Agrippa and Bernice come to Caesarea? (Acts 25:13)
2) What did Festus tell Agrippa about, after they had been there many days? (Acts 25:14-15)
3) How did Festus describe his response to the Jew's request? (Acts 25:16)
4) What questions was Festus uncertain about? (Acts 25:18-20)
5) What was Agrippa's response to Festus? (Acts 25:22)
6) While before Agrippa, what did Festus state that the Jews cried out about Paul in Jerusalem? (Acts 25:24)
7) What was Festus' finding in Paul's case? (Acts 25:25)
8) What was Festus' dilemma in which he found himself? How was he hoping Agrippa could help? What did he find unreasonable? (Acts 25:26-27)
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!
God bless you!
Sheri
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