S: Acts 25
O: After 2 years in prison, now there’s a new governor, Festus. Again, the Jewish leaders tried the ploy of getting him sent to Jerusalem for trial there, but Paul may have suspected they were still going to try to kill him on the way as before. So, he exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar – if a Roman citizen believed the provincial authorities were treating them unjustly, they could appeal to a higher authority—ultimately to Caesar.
At this time, Nero was still in his early years, before he became known as a despot and tyrant. As a result, Paul may have expected a fair trial from him, as he wouldn’t have any personal stake in the matter and could be impartial.
Moreover, Paul already knew that God was sending him to eventually testify in Rome, as God had revealed that to him back in Jerusalem. So, since appealing to Caesar would send him to Rome, that was in line with what he knew God had planned.
A: We don’t always know what God has in store, but we can still trust him because he is in control. At the same time, it is also reasonable to exercise our rights as citizens of our country and use legal proceedings to our advantage and for the sake of the Gospel when it helps us stand for truth and advance God's mission.
P: Father, help me to trust in you and follow your wisdom in difficult circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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